DAVAO CITY — To help prepare schools for the opening of classes this month, Vice President and Department of Education Secretary Sara Duterte on Wednesday joined the Brigada Eskwela activities in three far-flung schools here.

Duterte visited Tapak Elementary School in Barangay Tapak, Gumitan Elementary School in Barangay Gumitan, and Dominga Elementary School in Barangay Dominga where she joined teachers, parents, students, and volunteers in cleaning and painting within the school premises.

The villages, formerly controlled by the terrorist New People’s Army, are inhabited mainly by lumads.

Duterte has earlier said Brigada Eskwela 2023 is an appeal for Bayanihan among education stakeholders to ensure that schools are functional, clean, and orderly for the learners.

Dominga Elementary School Principal Jerez Baltunado said he was thankful for the Vice President’s visit as it serves as an inspiration and a source of encouragement for the learners and the entire community of education stakeholders.

“I am surprised and honored that no less than the Vice President and Education Secretary visited us here to monitor the Brigada Eskwela. All in all, it can give us the greater perspective to move forward and do better for the next days to come,” Baltunado said.

The OVP has expressed support for the Brigada Eskwela activities through the 10 Satellite Offices in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

The Vice President will also join the Brigada Eskwela in Vicente Duterte Elementary School in Bansalan, Davao del Sur tomorrow, August 17. OVP MEDIA