ILOILO CITY — Classrooms across Iloilo City are ready to welcome students on June 8, thanks to a powerful display of community spirit. Beneficiaries of the government's Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers Program played a significant role in this year's Brigada Eskwela clean‑up drive. Their efforts transformed La Paz I Elementary School into a safe, comfortable, and inspiring space for learners.
Principal III Welma Segovia expressed deep gratitude for the dedication shown by the volunteers. "They played a big role in making the surroundings of our school clean and ready for the opening of classes," she said. The initiative, integrating TUPAD into Brigada Eskwela, aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to ensure learning spaces are prepared. Parents, teachers, alumni, and barangay officials all joined hands.
A Community United for Education
Segovia highlighted that the bayanihan spirit is alive and well. "We are ready for the opening of the school year 2026–2027. Everyone is happy to serve La Paz I Elementary School," she said. The collaborative effort ensures that children return to a clean and orderly environment conducive to learning. The school's commitment wall was filled with signatures from diverse stakeholders pledging their support.
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Region VI responded to the school's appeal by donating paints, brooms, and dustpans. The nationwide Brigada Eskwela program also provided essential support, with around ₱2 billion allocated for implementation. Segovia also appealed for help to repair the school's Home Economics building roof and ceiling, vital for the year‑round feeding program.
Building a Livable City, One School at a Time
For a city recognized as an ASEAN Clean Tourist City and a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, the Brigada Eskwela effort reflects the deeply ingrained culture of community and care. The sight of volunteers working together strengthens Iloilo's brand as a place where people look after one another and invest in future generations. This collective responsibility enhances the city's appeal to families and investors alike.
The successful cleanup at La Paz I Elementary School is a microcosm of the city's broader commitment to social cohesion and quality of life. As students stream back into their freshly prepared classrooms, they carry with them the unspoken message that their community has invested in their future. For Iloilo, this spirit of volunteerism is an invaluable asset that distinguishes it as a truly people-centered city.
