Latest news with #BrigadaEskwela
GMA Network
02-07-2025
- General
- GMA Network
Mission Possible: Clean Schools
The first days of school are often the most exciting part of every student's journey. It's a time to reconnect with friends, meet new teachers, and start fresh. In preparation for this coming school year, schools work harder than ever to strengthen not only their manpower and facilities, but also their safety and sanitation protocols. One of the Department of Education's ongoing goals is to ensure that public schools provide a stimulating, secure space where students can focus, grow, and thrive. As we officially welcome the Balik Eskwela season, it's important to recognize the impact of programs like Brigada Eskwela 2025, a nationwide initiative where school communities come together to prepare classrooms for the year ahead. Anchored on the theme 'Brigada Eskwela: Sama-sama Para sa Bayang Bumabasa,' here's a quick checklist of what an ideal learning environment should look like in line with this year's campaign: 1. Functional desks and chairs Sturdy desks and chairs are basic, but essential. In many public schools, damaged armchairs are still a common sight, but they shouldn't be the norm. Fortunately, even with limited resources, many school communities now take initiative during Brigada Eskwela to repair or replace broken furniture before classes begin. 2. Ample and safe ventilation In our hot and humid climate, proper airflow in classrooms is crucial. With packed classrooms, fans and cooling systems aren't just for comfort; they help reduce the spread of germs and keep students feeling refreshed and focused. 3. Clean rooms and hallways Clean rooms and hallways mean no clutter, markings, or foul odors, and also having freshly swept and mopped floors. It's important to conduct this sanitation routine to not become a source of distraction for students, as dirty classrooms and messy hallways can affect their focus on completing school tasks. 4. Clean and well-maintained restrooms While not part of the classroom, the school restroom is a critical part of the learning space. Students may have difficulty paying attention in class if they avoid using the restroom due to poor sanitation or unpleasant conditions. Studies also show that they're prone to sickness if toilets aren't properly cleaned. That's why using trusted cleaning products matters, like Domex, a disinfectant that kills 99.9% of germs while helping remove visible stains and eliminate odors. They have also been an advocate of promoting proper hygiene, sanitation, and cleanliness in public schools for years already. This 2025, it's the first time Domex has expanded its school initiatives in Visayas and Mindanao to reach and help more pupils. Community Impact: Domex x Yellow Boat of Hope In support of this year's Brigada Eskwela campaign, Domex provided 100 bottles of 900ml Domex, 5 sets of water filters, 20 dippers, and 20 toilet cleaning brushes to 34 schools nationwide. Domex also partnered with the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation, a non-profit PH organization that helps provide access to children's education, and helped clean and disinfect school restrooms on June 9 and June 11, 2025. Beyond cleaning products, Domex also promotes hygiene education through their Germ-Busting rules: D APAT HINDI PIGILIN ANG PAG-IHI O BSERBAHAN ANG TAMANG PAGHUGAS NG KAMAY M AG-FLUSH NG TOILET EX SA GERMS, MAGLINIS NG BANYO A Clean Future for School Communities At the heart of every Brigada Eskwela effort is one simple goal: to give students the safe, clean, and supportive environment they deserve. The first days of school should be filled with excitement, not worries about dirty classrooms or unusable restrooms. Through Brigada Eskwela and the collective efforts of schools, volunteers, and partners like Domex and the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation, we're reminded that preparing for the school year goes beyond supplies and schedules. It's about creating a space where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn from day one. When schools are truly ready, students can focus not on what's lacking, but on what's possible for the bright future ahead of them. Learn more about #DomexPH and their partnership with Brigada Eskwela in their official Facebook page.
GMA Network
10-06-2025
- General
- GMA Network
DepEd gears up for school year 2025–2026 opening on June 16
With the opening of classes less than a week away, the Department of Education is in the thick of preparations to ensure schools are ready to welcome students on June 16, marking the start of School Year 2025–2026. DepEd Assistant Secretary for Operations Jocelyn Andaya emphasized the importance of early enrollment and community cooperation through the annual Brigada Eskwela. "Kaya nga po meron tayong tinatawag na Brigada Eskwela para talagang matignan natin kung ano pang mga kailangan sa ating classrooms,' Andaya said in an interview on Tuesday on Unang Balita. (We have Brigada Eskwela so we can assess what else are needed for classrooms.) Andaya also called on parents to enroll their children as early as possible to avoid delays in learning. "Gusto po namin i-encourage ang lahat ng mga magulang na i-enroll na nang maaga ang kanilang mga anak lalo na ngayong week, sapagkat ayaw natin mahuli ang ating mga mag-aaral sa mga lessons na ibibigay ng ating eskwelahan pagdating ng June 16.' (We encourage all parents to enroll their children early, especially this week, because we don't want our learners to fall behind in lessons once school starts on June 16.) School preparations are being done in coordination with parents, local government units, barangay officials, and private partners. "Ang ating mga magulang at ang ating mga local partners kagaya ng LGU, barangay tanod at private entities ay nagsama-sama sa tinatawag nating bayanihan... Ang iba naman po ay nag-donate ng iba't ibang gamit para lang maging handa tayo para sa June 16.' (Our parents and local partners like LGUs, barangay officials, and private entities have come together in what we call 'bayanihan'... Others have donated various supplies to help us get ready for June 16.) When asked about the availability of chairs and tables, Andaya said the final numbers depend on actual student enrollment. "Ang inventory po natin ay nasa ating mga eskwelahan... magiging depende po ito kung ilang mga estudyante ang mag-e-enroll ngayong taon." (The inventory is with our schools... it will depend on how many students enroll this year.) Some schools are also making repairs to furniture and facilities ahead of the opening. Meanwhile, in response to concerns about water supply in school restrooms, Andaya acknowledged that challenges remain, especially in Metro Manila. 'Lalo na dito sa NCR [National Capital Region], ang ating tubig doon pagka matataas na ang mga building ng ating paaralan ay mahirap." (Especially in NCR, water supply becomes difficult when school buildings are tall.) DepEd is coordinating with service providers and local governments to resolve these issues. "Nakikipag-coordinate po tayo sa ating water supplier para matulungan tayo tungkol dito, MWSS [Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System] ... Nakikipag-ugnayan din po tayo sa Meralco... at sa LGUs para matulungan tayo tungkol sa bagay nito,' she noted. (We are coordinating with our water supplier, MWSS, for assistance... We're also working with Meralco and LGUs to help address these issues.) —KG, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
10-06-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
ACT: PH's 'functional illiterate' student woes due to shortage in teachers, classrooms
The lack of teachers, classrooms, and textbooks are to blame for the 18.9 million functionally illiterate students in the country, according to the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Party-list. According to ACT Party-list, these systemic shortages continue to be the root of the country's deepening "learning crisis," as the following needs to be adressed: 150,000 additional teachers to bring down class sizes to the global standard of 35 students; 56,000 education support personnel to handle administrative work and provide essential services; 165,000 new classrooms, as only 30% of existing ones are in good condition; Adequate learning materials, as many schools continue to rely on improvised modules and activity sheets; Digital tools, as only 37% of teachers have laptops and just 17% of students have access to gadgets. The group also stressed that over 100,000 additional teachers are urgently needed to meet the demands of the K to 12 program and a ballooning student population. 'Shifting classes of up to three to four sessions a day are common in urban areas. May mga bata na pumapasok ng alas-5 ng umaga o kaya ay gabi na nakakauwi. Paano ka matututo sa ganitong sistema?' ACT Party-list Representative Antonio Tinio said in a press conference in Quezon City. (Some students go to school as early as 5 a.m. and return home late at night. How can one learn in such a system?) GMA News Online has reached out to the Department of Education for comment, but it has yet to reply as of posting time. Tinio urged the national government to significantly increase the education budget—not only to hire more teachers and build classrooms, but also to supply sufficient learning materials and improve teacher compensation. 'This crisis will only worsen unless Congress acts decisively. Kulang ang kasalukuyang budget para tugunan ang basic needs. We need to double it if we want to reverse the learning deficit,' Tinio added. (The current budget is not enough to address basic needs. We need to double it if we want to reverse the learning deficit.) The group is calling for immediate government action, which they hope will be discussed by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos in his upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA). 'Hamon natin sa ating pangulo na sa darating SONA, gusto natin magkaroon ng prioridad itong edukasyon. Lalo na't napakalala ng learning crisis,' said ACT NCR Union President Ruby Bernardo. (We challenge the President to make education a top priority in the coming SONA. The learning crisis has become severe.) Brigada Eskwela As schools gear up for the official opening of School Year 2025–2026, glaring infrastructure gaps are once again in the spotlight. From broken chairs to damaged ceilings, this year's Brigada Eskwela—the annual bayanihan-style cleanup and repair drive—has brought focus the persistent struggles of public schools across the country. In Mambaling National High School in Cebu City, the school combined Brigada Eskwela with student enrollment to maximize community participation. Teachers were joined by parents and students in cleaning the classrooms. However, the lack of cleaning materials slowed down efforts. 'Nanawagan kami sa mga magulang, para sa ating mga bata dito sa Mambaling National High School. Magdala ng mga gamit, walis, dustpan, garbage bag na kailangan natin para sa ating paglilinis,' said Kyla Ysabel Simpron, Brigada Eskwela Coordinator said in an Unang Balita interview. (We are calling on the parents, this is for our children here at Mambaling National High School. Please bring cleaning tools such as brooms, dustpans, garbage bags.) Meanwhile, in Pusok Elementary School in Lapu-Lapu City, the school reported progress in rebuilding facilities damaged by Typhoon Odette in December 2021. Repairs to ceilings and roofs were completed with ?2.9 million from the Special Education Fund in late 2024. A local cooperative also helped in renovating the school gate and other classrooms. Despite this progress, Assistant School Principal Randero Japitan revealed that about 30% of classroom chairs are either broken or missing. 'May mga upuan pa naman tayo na natitira na mga kahoy, temporary lang muna,' Japitan shared, noting that a request for additional chairs has already been filed with the DepEd Lapu-Lapu City Division. (We still have some wooden chairs left, it is temporary for now.) In Mandaue City, an inspiring partnership with the Bureau of Probation and Parole is contributing to Brigada Eskwela. Parolees and probationers are deployed in phases to assist with tasks such as gardening, drainage cleanup, and classroom repairs at Mandaue City Central School. Over in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Brigada Eskwela is also in full swing. At Cogon Elementary School, parents and students came together to clean up classrooms and prepare for the new school year. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
09-06-2025
- General
- GMA Network
Volunteers, parents join forces for Brigada Eskwela in QC
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
GMA Network
09-06-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Marcos inspects Bulacan school for Brigada Eskwela 2025
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. helps put up a blackboard in one of the classrooms at Barihan Elementary School in Malolos, Bulacan during the launch of Brigada Eskwela on Monday, June 9, 2025. PCO livestream screengrab President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. inspected Monday the ongoing school preparations at Barihan Elementary School in Malolos, Bulacan as part of the Brigada Eskwela 2025. Together with Education Secretary Sonny Angara and son William Vincent, Marcos checked the ongoing repairs on ceilings, windows, doors, and chairs of classrooms to ensure that these are all safe and ready for students in the coming school year. The Brigada Eskwela 2025 will run from June 9 to 13, involving teachers, parents and volunteers who are working together to prepare the public schools for the opening of classes. Angara said the Barihan Elementary School was chosen so that the President could witness the current state of public schools. Despite the onset of the rainy season, Angara also said the schools are ready for the opening of classes next week. ''June 16, medyo maulan na ho pero hindi kasing-lakas noong nakaraang taon, noong 2024 nagbukas tayo eh halos buong Metro Manila, buong Cavite, CALABARZON, lubog na sa ulan eh maganda na inagahan na po ng ating Pangulo 'yung pasukan natin,'' Angara told reporters. (It's already rainy but the rains are not that heavy like last year. In 2024, when we opened classes, almost the entire Metro Manila, Cavite, and CALABARZON were submerged in water. So it's good that the President declared an earlier opening of classes.) Meanwhile, over 300 bags filled with basic school supplies will be handed out at Barihan Elementary School on the first day of classes on June 16, 2025. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News
