President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Education to ensure that public schools are ready for the opening of classes on June 8, 2026.
He gave the instruction during the National Capital Region kickoff of Brigada Eskwela 2026 at Kapitbahayan Elementary School in Navotas City.
Marcos said DepEd already knows the necessary preparations before the start of classes. He stressed that schools must welcome learners without delays or learning disruptions.
Focus on Safe and Ready Schools
President Marcos said the government continues to support efforts that improve public school facilities.
He emphasized the need for clean, safe, and orderly classrooms. These conditions help create a better learning environment for students.
During his visit, the President inspected classroom preparations and school safety facilities. He also checked how the school prepared for the return of learners.
Brigada Eskwela 2026 Begins
President Marcos led the launch of Brigada Eskwela 2026 together with Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara.
This year’s theme is “Bayanihan sa Paaralan: Nagkakaisa para sa Kaayusan at Kaalaman.”
Brigada Eskwela 2026 will run from June 1 to 5. It serves as the nationwide school maintenance and preparation activity before the start of School Year 2026–2027.
The program brings together teachers, parents, local government units, private groups, and volunteers. They help schools through cleaning, painting, repairs, and other preparation activities.
TUPAD Beneficiaries to Help Schools
The government will also deploy workers under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers, or TUPAD, program.
Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino earlier said around 240,000 TUPAD beneficiaries would assist public schools nationwide.
These workers will help in about 5,000 schools across the country. Their tasks include painting, cleaning, minor repairs, and maintenance work.
They will help prepare more than 200,000 classrooms before classes open.
Support for the June 8 Class Opening
The TUPAD deployment will support DepEd, school officials, and parent-teacher associations.
This added help is important as schools prepare during the rainy season. It also allows school communities to complete needed work before learners return.
Through Brigada Eskwela and the support of government agencies, public schools aim to open smoothly on June 8.
The activity highlights the importance of bayanihan in education. It also reminds communities that school readiness is a shared responsibility.
