Yahya Ibrahim Yusop

Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sony Angara has urged private sector involvement in Brigada Eskwela 2025, the annual nationwide school maintenance initiative held ahead of the class opening.

Photo Courtesy of Philippine News Agency.

With the theme “Brigada Eskwela: Sama-sama Para sa Bayang Bumabasa,” this year’s campaign centers on strengthening students’ reading and comprehension skills and addressing learning loss, beyond the usual classroom beautification.

The five-day initiative promotes the spirit of bayanihan by fostering active collaboration among parents, teachers, volunteers, and local communities to help schools get ready for the new academic year.

“Nananawagan rin tayo sa ating mga kaibigan sa pribadong sektor at sa mga iba’t-ibang komunidad na tumulong dito sa kanilang mga eskwelahan,” Angara said in an ambush interview on June 5.

According to DepEd Memorandum Order No. 42, s. 2025, Brigada Eskwela will run from June 9 to 13, ahead of the scheduled school opening on June 16.

Angara also expressed appreciation for the teachers and stakeholders who will help prepare school facilities for the incoming academic year.

He reminded school heads and the public that any form of financial contribution from parents must be strictly voluntary.

“Hindi required iyan. Kung gusto lang ng voluntary, dahil bawal iyong mag-require,” he said.

Amid classroom and teacher shortages, Angara said the government is hiring 20,000 teachers and 10,000 staff to ease the burden.