Brigada Eskwela 2025 officially kicked off on Monday, June 9, at Bacacay East Central School, Bacacay, Albay, with this year’s campaign shifting beyond its usual school cleanup efforts to focus on improving students’ literacy and overall well-being.
Anchored on the theme “Brigada Eskwela: Sama-sama para sa Bayang Bumabasa,” the annual program by the Department of Education (DepEd) is expanding its scope to address learning gaps—particularly in reading comprehension—while continuing to mobilize communities to prepare public schools for the upcoming academic year.
Top education and health officials led the launch, including Health Secretary Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, DepEd Region V Director Gilbert Sadsad, and Albay Governor Glenda Bongao.
Governor Bongao highlighted the evolving role of Brigada Eskwela in disaster-prone regions like Bicol, where preparing schools also means building community resilience.
“We are resilient, we adapt, and most importantly, we move together,” she said.
Beyond Cleanliness
This year, Brigada Eskwela goes beyond its traditional focus on tidying up schools. It now aims to strengthen student well-being and improve reading comprehension across the country.
Director Sadsad emphasized that the theme “Sama-sama para sa Bayang Bumabasa” underlines a dual purpose: preparing schools and improving literacy among learners.
“Through Brigada Eskwela, it’s not just about helping with cleaning. It’s a commitment to help children learn to read,” Sadsad said.
He added that it’s a shared responsibility—teachers, parents, officials, and communities all have roles to play in ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn how to read, write, and understand.
“No child in the Bicol Region should be left behind without access to quality education and the skills they need to succeed,” he added.
Governor Bongao echoed the message, describing Brigada Eskwela as a movement—not just an event—that rallies collective action for children’s future.
“Let us remember: when we help prepare our schools, we help prepare our children for a brighter future,” she said.
Healthy Minds Matter
Another highlight of this year’s Brigada Eskwela is its strong focus on students’ physical and mental health.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa noted that schools cannot fulfill their mission if students are not healthy and well—both in body and mind.
“Students’ health is very important,” he said.
Herbosa shared that the Department of Health (DOH) has observed a troubling trend: rising mental health concerns among students aged 15 and above. Common causes include family issues, bullying, and academic pressure.
To respond, the DOH and DepEd included questions on mental health in the Google Forms completed by learners during Brigada Eskwela. Herbosa also announced the rollout of peer education programs, where senior high school students are trained in psychological first aid.
“If we address students’ problems early, there’s less chance they’ll face bigger health issues later,” Herbosa explained.
Importantly, Herbosa emphasized that not all mental health issues require expert intervention.
“Sometimes, it’s just about listening—without trying to fix anything,” he said.
To support these efforts, the DOH distributed essential resources to participating schools: physical education modules, first aid kits, and disaster preparedness materials.
Later in the day, the DOH also offered free health services on-site. Students received medical checkups, blood tests, dental care, x-rays, ultrasounds, and vaccinations.I Hannah Franchezka Boragay