Manila: Low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific (CEB) announced on Monday that volunteers from its network have joined the Brigada Eskwela in at least three last mile schools included in the Department of Education's (DepEd) priority list. These schools are the Balakilong Integrated School in Batangas, Cadulawan Elementary School in Cebu, and Cogon Elementary School in Davao del Norte.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DepEd website states that the Last Mile Schools program aims to address the gaps in resources and facilities of schools located in geographically isolated and disadvantaged and conflict-affected areas. It outlines that last mile schools have less than four classrooms, typically makeshift and non-standard, lack electricity, receive no funds for repairs or new construction projects in the last four years, and are more than an hour's travel away from the center, accessible only through difficult terrain.

Joining the Brigada Eskwela, an initiative that mobilizes volunteers to clean and repair school facilities, were employees from CEB's airline operations, ground handling provider 1Aviation, and aircraft maintenance company Aviation Partnership (Philippines) Corporation. The Gokongwei-led carrier also provided classroom cleaning and painting materials; science, technology, engineering, and mathematics educational packages; and monetary donations from employees.

"At Cebu Pacific, we are proud to connect Filipinos not only through travel, but through acts of service that create lasting impact far beyond our flights," CEB Human Resources Office chief Felix Lopez said in a statement. The airline stated it plans to continue supporting the three schools while exploring opportunities to expand the program to more last mile schools. The initiative forms part of Juan Community, a Gokongwei Group program that supports education programs nationwide.