The Department of Education 11 (DepEd 11) called for stronger private sector participation in supporting education as it officially launched Brigada Eskwela 2026 during a regional kickoff program at Ma-a Central Elementary School in Davao City on Monday.
Brigada Eskwela is a nationwide initiative that mobilizes volunteers from various sectors to assist schools in conducting repairs, maintenance, cleaning, and other preparations before the start of the academic year.
The annual school preparation initiative, hosted by the DepEd Davao City Division, gathered representatives from government agencies, business groups, civic organizations, and community stakeholders to help prepare schools for the opening of classes and reinforce support for learners across the region.
DepEd 11 Director Allan Farnazo said the private sector plays a crucial role in strengthening the education system, noting that students eventually become part of the workforce that drives economic growth.
He said the products of the education sector eventually become part of the corporate world.
“That is why we must continue to receive support from our partners in the private sector,” Farnazo said in a statement.
He emphasized that sustained collaboration between education and industry is essential to national development.
“We need one another for us to grow together. If one sector stops, the other sector will not grow,” he added.
Farnazo said Brigada Eskwela goes beyond school clean-up and repair activities, serving as a platform for fostering partnerships among schools, local government units, businesses, and communities to create safe, clean, and learner-friendly school environments.
The kickoff was also attended by DepEd Assistant Secretary for Finance Atty. Edson Byron K. Sy and Assistant Secretary for Information and Communications Technology Atty. Marcelino G. Veloso III.
In his message, Veloso highlighted the importance of sustaining the spirit of volunteerism and collective action demonstrated during the kickoff activities.
“We are hopeful that in the coming days and months, we will continue the spirit of bayanihan,” Veloso said.
He urged stakeholders to remain active partners in advancing quality education and ensuring schools remain conducive spaces for learning.
