This program aims to clean up public schools affected by the recent southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones Luis and Maymay.
According to the Department of Education (DepEd), Secretary Sonny Angara has formally requested Malacañang to expand emergency labor support under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program.
The request comes as the department aims to launch Brigada Eskwela 2.0, with Angara noting: “While clearing efforts have been instrumental, the scale of the damage underscores the need for additional inter-agency assistance and resource augmentation to expedite debris removal, cleanup, and the restoration of safe and functional learning spaces.”
He emphasized that through Brigada Eskwela 2.0, DepEd is creating a “year-round mechanism” to help schools clean up, recover, and reopen safely after disasters.
He also thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Francis Tolentino for their continued support.
As of August 11, DepEd said in-person classes in 9,096 public schools in eight regions were forced to be suspended due to inclement weather affecting more than 6.9 million students and more than 290,000 teachers and staff.
The DepEd said the proposed expansion for the affected schools could be funded from the remaining balance of the current over PHP2 billion TUPAD allocation for Brigada Eskwela, OF which about PHP1.09 billion has been used.
An initial estimate showed that 3,348 classrooms sustained minor damage, with PHP27 million required for cleanup and clearing operations, and PHPP161.6 million for minor repairs.
Tolentino, for his agency’s part, noted: “Nakahanda ang DOLE na makipagtulungan sa DepEd upang agad na matugunan ang pangangailangan ng mga paaralang naapektuhan ng kalamidad.”
The Labor chief added that through TUPAD, thr government is not only able to provide temporary livelihoods displaced workers, but also help in the rehabilitation and safe reopening of learning spaces.
“Ito ang tunay na diwa ng bayanihan—ang pagtutulungan ng iba’t ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan upang makapaghatid ng agarang suporta sa ating mga manggagawa, paaralan, at komunidad, lalo na sa panahon ng pangangailangan,” he added.
The DepEd-DOLE collaboration grew to more than 9,300 institutions during the Brigada Eskwela, thousands more from the initial 5,000 target, benefitting 171,000 beneficiaries.
In addition, Angara has also proposed the deployment of TUPAD workers to 171 public schools currently being used as evacuation centers to maintain their cleanliness and safety.
The Education chief also recommended to coordinate with the Cash-for-Work program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to prioritize parents and guardians of students.
Meanwhile, DepEd is also currently coordinating with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the dispatch of heavy equipment for extensive cleanup in severely affected areas.
