Manila: The Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday urged the private sector to join the upcoming 2025 Brigada Eskwela before the official opening of classes in all public schools nationwide. The Brigada Eskwela will span from June 9 to 13, ahead of the opening of the academic year on June 16, according to DepEd Memorandum Order No. 42, series of 2025.

According to Philippines News Agency, in an ambush interview, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara stated that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will lead the official onset of the week-long nationwide activity. Angara appealed to the private sector and various communities for their assistance, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in supporting educational institutions.

Angara also expressed gratitude to the teachers and other stakeholders participating in Brigada Eskwela. He clarified that financial contributions from parents are not mandatory, highlighting that any support should be voluntary, as requiring contributions is prohibited.

Meanwhile, the education chief announced that over 800 schools nationwide will implement the pilot run of the revised Senior High School (SHS) curriculum. This initiative aims to enhance the employability of Grade 12 graduates. The reform includes a reduction of core subjects to five per semester, focusing on Effective Communication, Life and Career Skills, General Mathematics, General Science, and the Study of Philippine History and Society.

The SHS strands will be replaced with "clusters of electives," offering learners the flexibility to choose from four curricular exits: higher education, employment, entrepreneurship, or middle-level skills development. Angara emphasized that SHS learners in pilot schools will have the discretion to select electives that align with their post-SHS plans.