In support of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) annual Brigada Eskwela initiative, SM Supermalls mobilized thousands of volunteers across its malls nationwide from June 9 to 13, 2025, to help prepare public schools for the upcoming academic year. This year’s Brigada Eskwela carried the theme, “Nagkakaisa para sa Handa at Ligtas na Pagbabalik Eskwela.” 

Driven by the spirit of bayanihan, SM employee volunteers join Brigada Eskwela to help public schools prepare for the new academic year—fostering cleaner, safer, and more welcoming spaces where students and communities can thrive.

SM employees in action—offering their hands and hearts to help schools gear up for another inspiring year of learning. 

 

SM North EDSA volunteers sweep hallways for Brigada Eskwela—helping create clean, focused spaces where students can learn and grow.

As a long-time DepEd partner, SM Supermalls once again participated in Brigada Eskwela 2025 as part of its broader commitment to youth empowerment, environmental stewardship, and inclusive community building.

The initiative was rolled out across 75 SM Supermalls, with more than a thousand employee-volunteers working hand-in-hand with DepEd, local government units (LGUs), school representatives, and community members. It empowered community volunteers to make a tangible impact by helping schools prepare safe, clean, and inspiring learning environments.

“We are proud to be part of Brigada Eskwela again this year. Education is the cornerstone of nation-building, and through volunteerism and shared responsibility, we aim to help create safe and welcoming learning spaces for students all across the country,” said Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls. 

An employee volunteer from SM Center Pasig organizes learning materials as part of Brigada Eskwela efforts to support public school readiness. 

 

With every wipe and every gesture of care, SM City Novaliches volunteers bring classrooms closer to a brighter, cleaner start. 

Demonstrating hands-on commitment, an employee volunteer from SM City Baliwag carefully stacks hollow blocks—contributing to stronger school infrastructure. 

Embodying the spirit of bayanihan, SM City Sorsogon employee volunteers paint school chairs with dedication—bringing new life to classrooms through Brigada Eskwela. 

Employee volunteers from SM Center Ormoc paint classrooms as part of Brigada Eskwela, helping create more inspiring learning spaces where students can thrive. 

An SM City Mindpro volunteer helps clean the school grounds during Brigada Eskwela—making way for brighter days and better learning.

SM employee-volunteers engaged in a wide range of preparatory activities including classroom cleaning and disinfection, repainting of walls and learning spaces, repairs of desks and chairs, and the turnover of essential learning materials. Through shared efforts, this annual initiative not only enhanced school facilities but also strengthened community ties and encouraged a culture of unity, pride, and collective responsibility for education.

The program benefited 66 public schools across the country, helping ensure that thousands of Filipino learners return to a clean, safe, and functional learning environment when classes resume.

By supporting Brigada Eskwela 2025, SM Supermalls reinforces its continued support and alignment with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, reflecting its commitment to fostering inclusive, sustainable development in every community it serves.

This initiative also forms part of SM’s broader advocacy under SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, which champions programs for Persons with Disabilities, Senior Citizens, the Environment, Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Children and Youth and Bike-Friendly initiatives.

For more updates on SM’s social good initiatives, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares or follow @OfficialSMCares on social media.

Since 2014, associates from Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc. (CCBPI) Bacolod have been volunteering in the Brigada Eskwela program of the Department of Education, helping repair and prepare public elementary and high school classrooms and other facilities before the opening of classes to help make sure that they åre ready for the students upon the start of the school year.

This year, in Bacolod City, over 50 Coca-Cola Bacolod associates trooped to the Antonio L. Jayme Elementary School in Barangay Mansilingan and volunteered to clean and paint its facilities, including the main gate, entrance pathway, and school façade.

“Coca-Cola has been part of Bacolod for more than 70 years, and we have always been invested in helping take care of the community that we’ve always called home,” said Bernard Engada, Coca-Cola Bacolod plant manager. “And with volunteerism as a fundamental part of our culture in Coca-Cola, we actively involve ourselves with efforts such as Brigada Eskwela,”

Engada adds, “We are always looking forward to activities that give us opportunities to show our support for Bacolod. We are proud that community engagement programs that enable us to do sustainability initiatives, like Brigada, are an integral part of who we are as Coca-Cola. For our Brigada Eskwela efforts this year, we hope that we have been able to help over 2,900 students enjoy a more conducive environment for learning.”

Throughout the Coca-Cola system, thousands of CCBPI associates nationwide actively volunteer their time and resources to positively contribute to programs and projects on education, health, and livelihood, and environment conservation.

As a company, CCBPI ensures that it leaves a lasting positive impact in its host-communities, as it works toward continuously strengthening partnerships with all stakeholders through environmentally- and socially-conscious policies.