ILOILO City – Nearly 12,000 workers have been deployed to 751 public schools across Western Visayas under a P72.77-million Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) initiative aimed at preparing campuses for the opening of classes while providing emergency employment to disadvantaged workers.
DOLE Regional Office 6 said a total of 11,896 workers under the TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers) program were mobilized to support Brigada Eskwela 2026 activities in partnership with the Department of Education.
The workers were tasked with campus cleanups, minor repairs, landscaping, and general maintenance to ensure schools are safe, clean, and conducive to learning before students return to classrooms.
Iloilo Province received the largest allocation, with 6,672 workers assigned to 356 schools backed by funding amounting to P39.56 million. Other provinces covered by the program include Aklan, Antique, Capiz, and Guimaras.
The TUPAD Brigada Eskwela program started on May 19 and will run until June 26. Each worker receives a daily wage of P550, providing temporary income assistance while contributing to school readiness efforts.
“The Department remains steadfast in delivering programs that not only provide emergency and short-term employment but also prepare the school and its facilities for the opening of classes. Through TUPAD Brigada Eskwela, we are able to support workers in need while ensuring that our schools are prepared to welcome learners in a safe environment conducive to learning,” Regional Director Atty. Sixto T. Rodriguez Jr. stated./PN
