More than 67,000 learners are expected to return to public schools in Malabon City for School Year 2026–2027, as the local government and the Schools Division Office launched the 2026 Brigada Eskwela Division Kick-Off Program on Tuesday, June 2.
The activity, held at Imelda Elementary School in Barangay Longos, aimed to help prepare classrooms and school facilities for the opening of classes.
According to the city’s Public Information Office, the Malabon Schools Division Office (SDO) said that 41,412 learners are enrolled in the city’s 28 elementary schools, while 26,243 students are enrolled in its 19 secondary schools.
Mayor Jeannie Sandoval and Schools Division Superintendent Juan Obierna led the kickoff program, together with teachers, students, parents, volunteers, city personnel, and community partners.
Sandoval said the activity highlights the importance of community support in preparing schools for learners.
“Ang Brigada Eskwela ay simbolo ng pagkakaisa ng komunidad para sa kapakanan ng ating mga mag-aaral. Lalo na po ngayon na muling magsisimula ang pasukan at panahon na rin ng tag-ulan (Brigada Eskwela is a symbol of community unity for the welfare of our learners, especially now that classes are about to resume and the rainy season has begun),” she said.
“Sa pamamagitan ng sama-samang pagtutulungan, masisiguro nating handa, ligtas, at maayos ang ating mga paaralan para sa pagbabalik-eskwela (Through collective effort, we can ensure that our schools are ready, safe, and orderly for the return of students),” Sandoval added.
The program started with a motorcade joined by city officials, school representatives, and partner groups.
It passed through Epifanio Delos Santos Elementary School, Dr. Lascano Street, C4 Road, Pampano Street, Lapu-Lapu Avenue, Dalagang Bukid Street, and Langaray before ending at Imelda Elementary School.
Sandoval also led the turnover of painting and cleaning supplies for Brigada Eskwela activities.
Volunteers helped clean classrooms and school facilities, conduct minor repairs, repaint areas, arrange learning materials, and perform general maintenance work.
The city government said other schools in Malabon will also hold their own Brigada Eskwela activities in the coming days.
City Administrator Dr. Alexander Rosete said the city government will continue to support programs that help provide accessible and quality education for Malabueño learners.