“So, are we ready for Brigada Eskwela?” someone asked in our office pantry the day before the big day.
A few nods, a couple of “Yes!” and a bit of nervous laughter followed. Honestly, most of us didn’t know what exactly to expect — but we knew one thing for sure: this was something special.
Brigada Eskwela is more than just a yearly program. It’s a commitment. A chance for us, as a company, to give back to the community that supports and surrounds us. This year, we had the honor of partnering with Regional Science High School, a school known for its academic excellence and hardworking students, but like many public schools, it needed some love and attention before the school year kicked in.
Before our actual day of service, we made sure things were set in motion. Our company hired contractors ahead of time to help repair broken chairs, do some much-needed painting, and even renovate classrooms that were no longer in good shape.
We’re a Distribution Utility company, so we also did our part in checking the school’s electrical systems. Our team inspected the wiring, assessed safety risks, and shared energy-saving recommendations to help the school manage its power usage more efficiently.
We arrived at the school around 8:30 AM, all geared up and excited. The sun was bright, but the energy among us was brighter.
The program began with a few short talks from our engineers who shared practical energy-saving tips — things students and teachers could actually use in their everyday routine.
Think unplugging appliances when not in use, maximizing daylight, and using energy-efficient bulbs. Simple things that could make a big difference.
After that, something fun — a zumba session! Yes, we danced. Some were hesitant at first, but eventually, everyone was smiling, laughing, and just enjoying the moment. It was a great way to bond and loosen up before we rolled up our sleeves.
Once the program wrapped up, we went straight to one of the classrooms assigned to us. It wasn’t glamorous work — we swept the floors, wiped the walls, and painted every corner that needed a fresh coat.
But doing it together, side by side with our colleagues, made it incredibly fulfilling. There’s just something about working for a cause that unites people in a different way.
Some of us even went around to check which areas still needed more finishing touches, taking note of what else we could help with in the following days.
And just when we were starting to feel a bit tired and sweaty, snacks arrived! The school prepared bottled water, ice-cold Coke, and the star of the show.
Chicken sotanghon was both comforting and delicious. It’s amazing how a simple meal can taste so good when shared with others after a long day of hard work.
Just when we thought the day was over, the school gathered us for a short recognition ceremony. They thanked us for our help and even gave us a certificate of appreciation, recognizing our team as one of their partners for this year’s Brigada Eskwela. It was unexpected, but incredibly touching.
It wasn’t just a piece of paper — it was a reminder that what we do matters. That our time, effort, and sweat helped make a real difference in a place that molds young minds.
As we left the school, tired but smiling, one of my teammates said, “I’m glad we came. This felt good.” And I couldn’t agree more.
Brigada Eskwela isn’t just a one-day event. It’s a reminder of what we can achieve when we come together — as a company, as individuals, as a community.
We’re grateful to Regional Science High School for welcoming us and giving us the chance to be part of something meaningful. And to our fellow employees who showed up with full hearts and willing hands — thank you. You made the day what it was.