Cabadbaran city: The National Brigada Eskwela 2026 officially commenced at Cabadbaran City National High School (CCNHS) in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte. The opening ceremony was honored by the presence of Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara alongside leading officials from Agusan del Norte and DepEd-13 (Caraga Region).
According to Philippines News Agency, this year's Brigada Eskwela embraces the theme 'Bayanihan sa Paaralan: Nagkaisa para sa Kaayusan at Kaalaman.' Secretary Angara highlighted the collaborative Bayanihan spirit that this initiative represents across schools nationwide. Angara also expressed gratitude towards the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for its significant support for this year's Brigada Eskwela.
The DOLE has committed PHP2 billion in funding for the Brigada Eskwela through the Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program, intended to aid approximately 240,000 workers nationwide. Brigada Eskwela has been institutionalized as an annual school maintenance week via DepEd Order No. 04 series of 2028.
In the Caraga Region, the TUPAD program's initial phase will be executed in Cabadbaran City, comprising two phases. DOLE-13 reported that phase one will benefit around 906 individuals, while phase two will involve 590 participants. These workers will engage in a 10-day service at various schools in the city, earning PHP475 per day, consistent with the region's minimum wage.
Anita Salahag, a 52-year-old resident of Cabadbaran City and a mother of two, expressed her satisfaction with participating in the TUPAD program while contributing to the school her daughter attends. Similarly, Michael Aquino, a father of five, appreciated the opportunity provided by the government. He acknowledged that the work and compensation from TUPAD are invaluable to his family.
DOLE-13 specified that the TUPAD program's tasks during Brigada Eskwela will encompass facility maintenance and repairs, including fixing leaking roofs, repairing desks, chairs, blackboards, and classroom doors or windows. Additionally, participants will engage in cleaning, sanitation, beautification, landscaping, and safety enhancements.
