World Vision joins Citibank and Anytime Fitness for Brigada Eskwela in Malabon schools 

MALABON — As schools prepare to welcome students for the new academic year, World Vision partnered with Citibank and Anytime Fitness, alongside local government units, parents, teachers, community volunteers, and civil society groups, to support Brigada Eskwela activities in schools across Malabon City. 

“Brigada Eskwela is a powerful reminder that supporting children’s education is a shared responsibility. When communities, partners, and families come together, we create safe and nurturing spaces where children can learn with confidence and hope,” said Kathyleen P. Sayya-an, World Vision, Programme Officer.  

The initiative brought together volunteers from different sectors to clean classrooms, paint school facilities, make minor repairs, and help create a safer and more welcoming learning environment for children before classes begin. 

Brigada Eskwela, an annual nationwide program led by the Department of Education, encourages communities to work together in preparing public schools for the opening of classes. Beyond improving school facilities, the program highlights the true Filipino spirit of bayanihan. It demonstrates the power of collaboration in supporting children’s education. 

“When different groups come together like schools, families, businesses, local communities, and civil society organizations, we can create a better environment where children can learn, grow, and reach their full potential,” a teacher shared. 

For student leaders who joined the activity, the experience was both inspiring and hopeful. 

Sean Caleb, a student leader, said seeing volunteers work side by side filled him with pride and optimism. 

“People from different backgrounds came together as one to create a cleaner and safer school environment,” he shared. “It reminded me that Filipinos are known for unity, volunteerism, and teamwork. Seeing everyone work together makes me feel excited because it shows that our school community truly cares about its students.” 

Nicole, a student leader from Grade 8, also expressed her appreciation for the collective effort. 

“I feel very happy and excited seeing so many people helping together to make our classroom clean and ready for the first day of school,” she said. “A clean classroom is a comfortable place to learn, and it makes me proud to see our fellow students showing teamwork and responsibility.” 

For Lady Cianaiah, the event reflected the strong commitment of the community to education. 

“It is amazing how everyone comes together and works as a team to ensure the cleanliness and readiness of our school,” she said. “It is heartwarming to see people willingly giving their time and effort to prepare our classrooms.” 

Parents also emphasized the importance of taking an active role in school activities, particularly Brigada Eskwela. 

One parent shared that participating in classroom repairs and painting activities gives them confidence that their child will learn in a safe and comfortable environment. 

Another parent highlighted how Brigada Eskwela creates opportunities for stronger relationships between families and teachers. 

“Working side by side with my child and teachers allows us to build stronger connections,” the parent said. “It helps create a better partnership that supports our children’s learning.” 

“Teachers cannot do it alone. Parents cannot do it alone. But together, schools and families can create better futures for our learners,” one parent remarked. 

Teachers and school leaders likewise recognize that active community participation contributes to a more supportive learning environment for students. Through the combined efforts of volunteers, schools can focus not only on improving facilities but also on strengthening relationships among families, educators, and community members. 

Not only teachers and school leaders, but also corporate partners played a role in refurbishing the classrooms days before the school opening, making sure that children feel safe and inspired in their learning environment.  

Arnold Salvador, Marketing Manager for Anytime Fitness, shared that it was a joy for its employees who volunteered in Brigada Eskwela. 

“Joining Brigada Eskwela was a meaningful experience for our team. Working alongside World Vision and the school community to help prepare a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for students was a powerful reminder that wellness goes beyond our clubs. At Anytime Fitness, the same care we bring to our members is the care we want to extend to the communities we’re part of — and being there on the ground made that real for everyone who took part,” said Salvador. 

He also highlighted that forging partnerships with organizations such as World Vision helps bridge the gap in community development. 

“Partnering with established organizations like World Vision lets us direct our resources where they create the most impact. Non-government organizations bring the reach, structure, and local insight; we bring volunteer energy and support. Together, that combination turns good intentions into real, measurable change — closing gaps in community development that neither sector could fully address on its own,” Salvador emphasized. 

The partnership among World Vision, Citibank, Anytime Fitness, local communities, and schools demonstrate how collective action can create meaningful impact for children. 

As another school year begins, the success of Brigada Eskwela in Malabon serves as a reminder that preparing children for learning goes beyond classrooms and textbooks. It starts with communities working together to ensure every child enters a safe, welcoming, and caring environment where they can thrive.