The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has allocated P41.29 million to deploy 6,572 displaced workers to assist in the preparation of 74 public elementary and secondary schools in Central Visayas for School Year 2026–2027.
This initiative, implemented under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (Tupad) program in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), covers 1,199 classrooms across the region, according to the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).
Community volunteers at Biasong Elementary School in Talisay City participated in Brigada Eskwela 2026 by cleaning classrooms and beautifying school facilities while distributing notebooks and other school supplies to students on June 1, 2026.
Early Launch of Brigada Eskwela
DepEd 7 Regional Director Arturo B. Bayocot stated that Brigada Eskwela activities across the region were launched earlier in preparation for the opening of classes on Monday, June 8, 2026. The regional kickoff was held in Mandaue City.
He noted that schools in all divisions are conducting simultaneous preparations, including cleaning classrooms and performing minor repairs.
Bayocot revealed that DepEd continues to rely on external assistance for school maintenance and preparation.
Community Support Essential
“It takes an entire village to educate our learners,” Bayocot said, emphasizing that collaboration with other sectors has helped address gaps in school readiness and learning materials.
The Tupad beneficiaries are hired to carry out cleaning, repair, and maintenance of public schools.
Bayocot said DepEd is also working to address the need for classrooms and facilities through partnerships with private groups, non-government organizations, local governments, and other stakeholders.
Readiness Rating
On a scale of 10, Bayocot gave the region an 8.5 overall readiness rating, while noting the ongoing shortage of classrooms.
As part of the response, temporary learning spaces have been set up in some areas to accommodate students for the opening of classes.
This initiative by DepEd and DOLE is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to prepare public schools for the new school year while providing temporary employment to vulnerable workers, according to the PIA report.
