01/06/2026
DepEd Brigada Eskwela 2026 Kicks Off with Strong Community Support in Pudtol
In line with the Department of Educationโs (DepEd) continuing initiative to prepare schools for the opening of classes through volunteerism and community participation, stakeholders from across the Municipality of Pudtol gathered for the Brigada Eskwela 2026 Kick-Off Program at the Capannikian Gymnasium โ June 1, 2026.
The DepEd-led activity brought together school officials, government agencies, local leaders, and community partners in a shared effort to reinforce school preparedness and improve learning environments for students ahead of the incoming school year.
Present during the kick-off program were representatives from the Department of Education Pudtol District and the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Apayao headed by Schools Division Superintendent Mrs. Benedicta Gamatero, represented by Mrs. Thelma P. Deza, PhD, Education Program Supervisor in Values Education, together with Mr. Elmer Canonizado, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Pudtol, Philippine National Police (PNP) Pudtol, PTA members, Punong Barangay of Capannikian Hon. Tirzo Calizo, Liga ng mga Barangay President Hon. Brando S. Adriano, and barangay officials from Capannikian.
The program formally opened with a welcome message delivered by Mrs. Nerissa O. Padeway, PhD, Principal III of Capannikian Elementary School, who welcomed attendees and expressed appreciation for the support extended by partner agencies and stakeholders. This was followed by the opening message of Punong Barangay Hon. Tirzo Calizo, who stressed the value of unity and collective participation in initiatives that benefit the education sector.
Mrs. Marizon P. Castillo, PhD, Public Schools District Supervisor, then presented the objectives and activities of Brigada Eskwela 2026. โThis highlights the key priority of DepEd including the improvement of key facilities,โ she said.
Representing Municipal Mayor Atty. Edmar D. Pascua, Mr. Elmer Canonizado conveyed the mayorโs support for the DepEd initiative and stressed the municipal governmentโs continuing commitment to educational development. โBabaen iti Brigada Eskwela ket maiplastar tayo iti pagadalan dagiti annak tayo. Ket sigun iti programa ti DepEd ket suportado iti Mayor tayo, a kas kunana, awan iti maud inga eskwelaan dituy Pudtol,โ he said.
LNB President Hon. Brando S. Adriano also shared his message of support saying โDakkel a dayaw iti panakitak iti panagmaymaysa tayu kadaytuy a programa nga pinangisagana iti eskwelaan.โ Messages of support were likewise delivered by representatives from PNP Pudtol headed by PCPT Gemma Lumayyung, ACOP, represented by Patrolman Analyn B. Banacos, and BFP Pudtol headed by FSINSP Nardito B. Laureta Jr., Municipal Fire Marshal.
Municipal Administrator Mr. Silver Ian Dimaano also expressed the local governmentโs support through the EDP (Efficient, Dedicated, and Pro-active) Governance of Municipal Mayor Atty. Edmar D. Pascua, sharing that the LGU provided 25 pails of green paint to schools across Pudtol in support of Brigada Eskwela efforts. According to Dimaano, each school received one pail of paint, while Pudtol Vocational High School received three pails, while Pudtol Central School and Mataguisi Comprehensive National High School received two pails each based on school population. He also added that the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Caravan will be continuing this year through the Management Information Systems Office (MISO) and they will be going to different schools in Pudtol to repair computers for the preparation of the incoming school year.
The ceremonial signing of the commitment wall followed, participated in by school heads, teachers, and partner agencies as a manifestation of solidarity and shared commitment to successfully carry out Brigada Eskwela 2026 activities.
Mrs. Thelma P. Deza, PhD, Education Program Supervisor in Values Education, commended everyone for their proactive participation. โCongratulations to everyone for being pro-active. We cannot do it alone so we have here our stakeholders showing how they care and give dedication to our school facilities,โ she said.
The activity also included the distribution of school supplies, followed by a message of gratitude from Hon. Rosita Bumatay, PTA President of Capannikian Elementary School, who thanked all participating agencies, volunteers, and stakeholders for supporting DepEdโs Brigada Eskwela initiative.
The kick-off program concluded with a Zumba dance participated in by attendees, ending the activity in a lively and cheerful atmosphere.
