Maayon: Education stakeholders from Western Visayas gathered for the regional kick-off of the Brigada Eskwela, highlighted by the Learner Rights and Protection on Wheels Caravan and the launch of the We Are Child Advocates for Resilience and Empathy (WE CARE) Program, in Maayon, Capiz on Wednesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Department of Education in Western Visayas (DepEd-6) Regional Director Cristito Eco emphasized in his message during the opening ceremony at the Maayon National High School that a child-friendly learning environment is not defined solely by strong buildings or modern facilities. He stated, "It is created when children feel safe, respected, included and cared for. It is built when communities unite to ensure that every learner has the opportunity to thrive. This is why today's occasion becomes even more significant with the regional launch of the WE CARE program."
Eco further elaborated that WE CARE is more than a program, as it embodies their commitment to wellness, care, accountability, resilience, and engagement among learners, personnel, teachers, and stakeholders. "As we launch WE CARE, we affirm that every learner deserves a nurturing environment where they can grow academically, socially, emotionally and morally. We affirm that every teacher deserves support and recognition. And we affirm that every stakeholder has a vital role in creating schools where excellence and compassion work hand-in-hand," he added.
During the Brigada, Eco also announced the implementation of the three-term calendar to resolve issues that crop up throughout the school year. In his calendar, 60 days will be devoted to classroom instructions while extra-curricular activities should be in other blocks.
DepEd-6 Education Support Division Chief, Dr. Leonerico Barredo, mentioned that the Brigada serves as an avenue for stakeholders to gather and prepare public school facilities for the opening of classes. "The theme 'Bayanihan sa Paaralan Nagkakaisa para sa Kaayusan at Kaalaman' highlights the power of collective action to strengthen learning and school environments," he said.
Joining the annual maintenance week kickoff was Labor and Employment Regional Director for Western Visayas, lawyer Sixto Rodriguez Jr. The Labor Department has deployed 11,896 workers under its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Brigada Eskwela 2026 to assist in the preparation of 751 public schools in the region for the opening of classes.
DOLE has allocated over PHP72.77 million for the program where beneficiaries were tapped to conduct clean-up, minor repairs, landscaping, and other maintenance works. The community service runs from May 19 to June 26, with each worker receiving a PHP550 daily wage. DOLE data showed 1,720 workers were tapped to work in 59 public schools in Aklan; 811 for 28 schools in Antique; 2,181 for 218 in Capiz; 512 workers for 90 schools in Guimaras; and 6,672 for 356 schools in Iloilo.
