Delegates from the Iloilo Provincial Government (IPG) led by Provincial Administrator Raul Banias joined today the 2025 Brigada Eskwela Kick-Off at Tubigan Elementary School in Barangay Talauguis, Zarraga.
Bringing together the Provincial Education Core Group and the Provincial Health Office (PHO), the IPG delegation turned over school supplies and launched a dengue awareness campaign in the school located at the boundary of Iloilo’s 2nd and 4th districts, and considered one of the most vulnerable schools in the province due to its remote location and limited resources.
In his message, Banias assured school officials of Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr.’s commitment to uplifting basic education, particularly by supporting literacy initiatives and addressing infrastructure gaps.
“It will take a village to improve this school. The commitment of our partners is already a clear manifestation that we can make a difference here in Tubigan Elementary School as well as in the entire Division of Iloilo,” he said.
Provincial School Board Secretary Maria Freda Fajardo emphasized that educational challenges cannot be resolved by DepEd and LGUs alone.
“We need the help of everybody especially the private sector and the community,” she noted.
Leading the event were officials from the Department of Education Division of Iloilo headed by Schools Division Superintendent Ernesto Servillon, who announced an additional ₱500,000 in Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) for the school.
“Sa subong, madamo ang pagpanghangkat sa aton kon paano mapanami, mapataas, kag mapabakod pa gid ang mga nahibaluan sang aton mga kabataan,” Servillon said.
“The division office is in full force para ipakita nga sinsero kami sa amon tinutuyo kag para ipabatyag nga palangga namon ang lugar nga ini.”
Zarraga Mayor Jofel Soldevilla also lauded the school’s inclusion in this year’s Brigada Eskwela and emphasized the need to support marginalized learners.
“I guarantee nga diri sa Tubigan Elementary School, gina-value gid. Because diri naga-eskwela ang mga last, the least, and the lost in our municipality,” she said.
The Provincial Health Office, through Dr. Rodney Labis, conducted a dengue information drive, reminding attendees of the 4S strategy. He also warned that children aged 1–9 are most vulnerable to dengue, especially in flood-prone rural areas like Tubigan.
Aside from school supplies, various stakeholders donated cleaning materials, paint, fans, speakers, printers, tables and chairs, motorcycles, and cash assistance. These donations will not only benefit Tubigan Elementary School but will also be distributed to other identified school beneficiaries in the province.
The Brigada Eskwela kickoff was also marked by the signing of a Commitment Pledge among all stakeholders including the IPG, DepEd, local officials, barangay leaders, private donors, local organizations, and security forces from the Philippine Army and Philippine National Police.
In a message read during the event, Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized that Brigada Eskwela is only the beginning of a greater responsibility.
“Hindi po dito nagtatapos ang ating bayanihan dahil kahit malinis na po ang ating mga eskwelahan, alalahanin po natin na ito ay patungo sa pagtaas ng kalidad ng ating edukasyon. Responsibilidad po nating lahat na bawat bata ay maturuang magbasa at matuto sa loob ng silid paaralan,” said Angara.
Brigada Eskwela is a school maintenance program in the Philippines that brings together community members, parents, and other stakeholders to volunteer their time and resources to ensure public schools are ready for the start of the school year.
The presence and assistance of the Iloilo Provincial Government in this year’s Brigada Eskwela highlight the province’s ongoing mission to uplift education in far-flung communities.
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