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Volunteers, parents join forces for Brigada Eskwela in QC

Volunteers, parents join forces for Brigada Eskwela in QC

GMA Network09-06-2025
Parents, teachers, students, and volunteers gathered early Monday morning at Piñyahan Elementary School in Quezon City to kick off Brigada Eskwela—the nationwide school maintenance initiative held annually in preparation for the start of classes.
In James Agustin's report in Unang Balita, the event began with a parade around the school grounds, signaling the start of the week-long activity.
Among the participants were around 80 volunteer security guards from a private company, who committed to cleaning and repainting 12 classrooms throughout the day.
This is part of their advocacy and a way to give back to the community.
Danilo Soralbo, Safety and Security Head of EMPC, said they hope to continue this kind of support in future Brigada Eskwela efforts.
'Gusto po namin na ito ay gawin paulit-ulit at sa taon-taon na Brigada Eskwela. Maliban sa ibang mga corporate social responsibility ng aming kumpanya para suportahan ng komunidad,' said Soralbo.
(We want to do this repeatedly and every year during Brigada Eskwela, aside from the other corporate social responsibility efforts of our company to support the community.)
'Hindi lamang pagdating sa aming pagtatrabaho pati na rin po sa pagsuporta sa ating community.'
(Not just through our work, but also in supporting our community.)
Environmental group EcoWaste Coalition was also present to campaign for a 'Lead-Safe and Waste-Free Brigada Eskwela.'
Street sweepers from Barangay Piñyahan also arrived early to help with the cleanup alongside volunteers.
Once the parade ends and participants return to Pinyahan Elementary School, a short program will be held to officially launch Brigada Eskwela.
Brigada Eskwela activities at the school are set to continue throughout the week, lasting four days in total.
On June 16, 2025, the country would open classes for School Year 2025–2026, marking a return to the pre-pandemic school calendar, as outlined in DepEd Order No. 12, Series of 2025.
The school year will run until March 31, 2026, covering 197 class days, including the End-of-School-Year (EOSY) rites.
The DepEd noted that this number may change based on unforeseen events and future directives. —Sherylin Untalan/KG/AOL, GMA Integrated News
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