As schools across the country prepared to welcome students back for the new school year, CIC was honored to support the Nicanor Reyes Memorial Foundation (NRMF) and its partners in this year’s Brigada Eskwela initiative held on June 2, 2026 at Juan Luna Elementary School in Sampaloc, Manila.

Held under the theme “Bayanihan sa Paaralan: Nagkakaisa para sa Kaayusan at Kaalaman,” Brigada Eskwela brings together schools, communities, volunteers, and organizations in preparing learning spaces for the opening of classes. It is a long-standing tradition that reflects the Filipino spirit of bayanihan and a shared commitment to education.

At Juan Luna Elementary School, volunteers helped prepare ten classrooms ahead of the new school year. From cleaning and organizing to small repairs and reconfiguration of learning spaces, the effort focused on ensuring that classrooms are ready for students as they return.

The program also featured Balik Iskoola: Imagine the School of Your Dreams, where 21 learners from the school took part in a creative session that invited them to express, through art and storytelling, what their ideal school looks like. Their work reflected simple but clear ideas – safe spaces, bright classrooms, and environments where learning feels possible and comfortable.

To support the activity, school supplies were also provided to the participating learners as they prepare for the school year ahead.

We are grateful to NRMF for the opportunity to be part of this community effort. Through initiatives like Brigada Eskwela, schools are supported not only by educators and families, but also by organizations that share in the belief that education is a shared responsibility.