02/06/2026
SDO Batangas City launches Brigada Eskwela 2026 at Conde Labac Elementary School; highlights unity and bayanihan
The Schools Division Office (SDO) of Batangas City officially opened this year’s Brigada Eskwela gathering education stakeholders, government officials, teachers, non-teaching personnel, parents, and community partners at Conde Labac Elementary School for a unified kick-off ceremony anchored on the spirit of bayanihan and shared responsibility,June 1, 2026.
Led by Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Hermogenes M. Panganiban, CESO V, together with Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Catherine V. Maranan, CESO VI, the activity brought together the entire DepEd Batangas City family in preparation for the upcoming School Year 2026–2027, ensuring that all public schools are safe, clean, and ready to welcome learners.
In his inspirational message, SDS Panganiban emphasized that Brigada Eskwela remains one of the department’s most successful and meaningful programs, as it strengthens the bond between schools and communities. “Brigada Eskwela is more than just cleaning and repairing classrooms; it is a concrete manifestation of our collective commitment to quality education. Every hand that paints a wall, sweeps a floor, or donates materials contributes to the future of every Batangueño learner,” he stated. He also commended the strong partnership between SDO Batangas City and its stakeholders, noting that the division continues to rise above challenges through unity and service.
ASDS Dr. Catherine V. Maranan echoed the superintendent’s call for collaboration, reminding everyone that education is a shared responsibility. “As we prepare our schools, we also prepare our hearts and minds to serve. This kick-off signals our readiness to open our doors not just to students, but to every partner who believes that no Filipino child should be left behind,” she said.
Spearheading the planning and implementation is the School Governance and Operations Division (SGOD), headed by Chief Education Supervisor Dr. Angelisa A. Amoto. Under her leadership, the Social Mobilization and Networking Section (SOCMOB) has worked tirelessly to coordinate with various sectors—local government units, private institutions, NGOs, alumni associations, and parents—to generate support and resources for all 56 public elementary and secondary schools in the city.
Representing the Congresswoman Hon. Beverley Rose A. Dimacuha and City Mayor Marvey A. Mariño is the Education Committee Chair, Hon. Aileen Arriola-Montalbo who inspired the stakeholders and partners by wholeheartedly thanked them for their generosity.
Hon. Claudette Ambida also gave a warm message to the participants as she committed to always support DepEd in all its meaningful activities.
Dr. Caroline C. Gayeta, Senior Education Program Specialist with Ms.Maria Vinnah C. Delgado, Education Program Specialist II reported that even prior to the kick-off, numerous schools have already received pledges of support, materials, and volunteer hours, proving that the culture of bayanihan in Batangas City remains alive and strong.
The program also featured the ceremonial turnover of donations, messages of support from partner agencies, and the simultaneous start of clean-up and repair activities at Conde Labac Elementary School. Teachers, students, parents, and SDO personnel worked side-by-side—painting classrooms, cleaning grounds, fixing chairs, and organizing learning materials—turning the school grounds into a vibrant scene of cooperation and solidarity.
Oplan Balik Eskwela (OBE) was also launched during the BE kick-off.
Brigada Eskwela, DepEd’s national school maintenance week, institutionalizes community involvement in preparing public schools for the opening of classes. For SDO Batangas City, it serves not only as a preparation activity but also as a celebration of the strong relationship between the department and the community it serves.
With the leadership of SDS Panganiban and ASDS Maranan, and the dedicated team of SGOD and SOCMOB, Batangas City once again proved that when everyone works together, quality education is within reach for every learner. See less
