With the theme “Brigada Eskwela: Sama-sama para sa Bayang Bumabasa,” this year’s Isabela City participation in Brigada Eskwela officially kicked off at Kumalarang Elementary School (KES), June 11.
The event was spearheaded by the Department of Education – SDO Isabela City under the leadership of Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Jay S. Montealto, and strongly supported by the City Government of Isabela led by Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman. The activity was made even more meaningful through the participation of national government agencies, private organizations, and community stakeholders.
The program began with a warm welcome from Kumalarang Punong Barangay Julwardie Said, followed by an inspiring message from Sarjua Amil, faculty of KES. Messages of support were delivered by representatives from various sectors including national government agencies, local government units, civil society organizations, and private partners, all highlighting their shared commitment to improving the quality of education in Isabela City. Eduardo Gulang, Chief of the School Governance and Operations Division, also addressed the audience, stressing the importance of active community involvement in promoting literacy and learning.
The Brigada Eskwela is the bayanihan movement where parents, teachers, students, and volunteers came together to repaint classrooms, clean school grounds, repair furniture, and prepare learning spaces ahead of the incoming school year.
The HAPIsabela Mobile Library, now on its third year, also made a significant impact, catering to 40 learners through focused reading sessions that aimed to enhance their literacy skills. Meanwhile, the HAPIsabela Mobile Kitchen served bowls of arroz caldo, ensuring that volunteers and students alike were nourished as they contributed to the day’s efforts.
A highlight of the day was the turn-over of the Kumalarang Elementary School Reading Clinic, a significant milestone in the school’s literacy campaign. The facility was made possible through the efforts of Save the Children Philippines, under the ACCESS Project, and was represented by Zoreen Agustin, Program Manager. The symbolic key to the reading clinic was handed over in the presence of DepEd Secretary and formsr senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, DepEd officials, and the school leadership
. The clinic was formally accepted by DepEd IX regional director Dr. Ruth Fuentes, who acknowledged its vital role in enhancing the reading abilities of students in the area.
In his keynote speech, Secretary Angara delivered a strong message of support and recognition for the city’s efforts. He stated, “We congratulate your mayor and Governor Hataman whose initiatives made this possible — Isabela City now records the highest rate in functional literacy.” His presence marked a significant moment of national acknowledgment for the city’s continuing strides in education and literacy development.
The event was further dignified by the attendance of Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman and Governor-elect Mujiv Hataman. They reaffirmed their administration’s commitment to ensuring inclusive and quality education for every child in Isabela City, while also emphasizing the need for sustained collaboration among all stakeholders to achieve long-term educational progress.
Community partner MLhuillier also joined the effort, extending support. Their contribution added a generous touch to the day’s undertakings and reflected the continued trust and cooperation between the private sector and public institutions.
Showing their support by their presence were Usec. Trygve Olaiver, Usec. Peter Corvera, Asec. Carmela Oracion, Asec. Jerome Buenviaje, Exec. Director Jennie Jocson, and other DepEd OSEC staff. Also in attendance from the security sector were 101st Infantry Brigade, 1ID, PA commander BGEN Alvin Luzon, deputy brigade commander COL Frederick Sales, 4th Special Forces Battalion commander LTC Adolf Ian Garceron, 6th Special Forces Battalion CO LTC Roldan Mira, and Coast Guard Station Isabela commander LTJG Arturo Alamani Jr. DepEd IX ARD Dr. Gregorio Cyrus Elejorde, SDO-Zamboang City SDS Dr. Majarani Jacinto, and ASDS Dr. Raymond Salvador were also present.
The 2025 Brigada Eskwela at Kumalarang Elementary School was more than a school cleanup, it was a celebration of unity, literacy, and community spirit. Through the collective efforts of educators, leaders, parents, and partners, the school is now better prepared to foster a nurturing and empowering learning environment for its young learners. (Words by R. Natividad-Sarael/Photos by M. Santos, CIO & KJ Evardo, IsaTV)
