Cagayan de oro — In a powerful display of the Filipino bayanihan spirit, more than 630 employees from BDO Unibank recently stepped away from their desks to participate in the annual Brigada Eskwela 2026. This nationwide volunteer effort saw the bank’s staff working alongside teachers, parents, and community members to transform six public schools into cleaner, safer, and more conducive learning spaces. By dedicating their time and effort to these campuses, the volunteers aimed to ensure that students across the country would return to classrooms that are ready and inspiring for the new school year. The initiative underscores the bank's long-standing commitment to education, showing how corporate volunteerism can create meaningful improvements in public school infrastructure.
Transforming Campuses Into Vibrant Spaces For Learning Success
The volunteers took on a variety of hands-on tasks, including repainting walls and furniture, conducting minor facility repairs, and cleaning classrooms to give schools a fresh start. To further support these efforts, BDO donated a significant amount of resources, including more than 500 gallons of paint, 1,400 painting materials, 400 cleaning items, and 80 trays of vegetable seedlings for school gardens. These activities took place at diverse locations, ranging from Gregoria De Jesus Elementary School in Caloocan City to schools in Navotas, Isabela, and Cagayan de Oro City. By refreshing these physical environments, the bank’s employees directly contributed to creating a more positive atmosphere that encourages student engagement and academic focus.
Building Bridges Between Corporate Values And Community Needs
For the BDO staff, participating in Brigada Eskwela is a tangible way to live out the bank’s values beyond the office walls and into the heart of the community. BDO Foundation President Mario A. Deriquito emphasized that even simple acts—like repainting a desk or organizing a classroom—represent a significant investment in a child’s future. Education officials, including those from the Department of Education, welcomed the initiative, noting that the presence of corporate volunteers brings not just materials, but a renewed sense of hope to the school community. This collaboration highlights the essential role that private-sector support plays in augmenting government efforts to maintain and improve public learning facilities across the nation.
Fostering A Culture Of Service And Lasting Educational Support
BDO’s involvement in this year’s program is part of a decade-long tradition of supporting Brigada Eskwela and various other education-focused sustainability initiatives. By consistently partnering with local communities, the bank continues to address the challenges facing public schools and help bridge gaps in resources and maintenance. These efforts are part of a broader Employee Volunteer Program designed to empower staff to become sustainability champions who actively address social and environmental concerns. As schools prepare for the incoming students, this spirit of shared responsibility ensures that Filipino learners are supported by a community that is deeply invested in their long-term growth and academic success.
