ILOILO City – The Department of Education (DepEd) Region 6 is rallying stakeholders and partners to support the annual Brigada Eskwela, scheduled for July 22 to July 27, as part of the preparations for the School Year 2024-2025.
This initiative aims to ensure schools are ready for the upcoming academic year, beginning July 29.
Hernani Escullar Jr., the regional information officer of DepEd-6, announced that the official regional launch will take place on July 19 at La Castellana National High School in Negros Occidental.
Following this event, Schools Division Offices will have the autonomy to conduct their own division-level launches.
Escullar emphasized that while Brigada Eskwela officially spans a week, it represents a year-round effort by DepEd to maintain and improve educational facilities.
“Brigada Eskwela is not just a one-week activity; it’s an ongoing commitment throughout the year,” he told Panay News.
The program serves as an opportunity for stakeholders and partners who wish to contribute to the schools, whether by arranging classrooms or donating supplies.
“Last school year, numerous philanthropists and private groups in the region donated essential items like notebooks, papers, crayons, pencils, bags, and ballpens, which were then distributed to students in need,” said Escullar.
The evolution of Brigada Eskwela over the years reflects a shift from a mere cleaning exercise to a broader initiative where contributions of time, effort, and resources are highly valued.
“Nowadays, DepEd prefers that during the first week of school, learners can focus more on studying rather than cleaning, ensuring that their competencies are fully addressed,” said Escullar.
As of noon on Sunday, July 14, DepEd-6 has registered 746,493 enrollees and anticipates this number to increase as the enrollment deadline on July 26 approaches.
Enrollment in public schools began on July 3./PN
