U.S. Troops Join Brigada Eskwela Effort in Palawan

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From June 9 to 13, U.S. Army soldiers joined members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in supporting the Department of Education’s Brigada Eskwela in Rizal, Palawan.

The volunteers worked together to renovate and prepare classrooms for the new academic year.

“Our military service members are honored to join their AFP and PCG counterparts in Brigada Eskwela, demonstrating our shared commitment to supporting and empowering local communities,” said Lt. Col. Adam Chu, acting chief of the Joint U.S. Military Assistance Group Philippines.

U.S. soldiers volunteered alongside members of the Philippine Marine Corps, Philippine Air Force and the PCG, who were in Palawan for joint military exercises.

They teamed up with local residents to clean, paint, decorate and repair five schools: Malapandeg Elementary School, Guilingan Elementary School, Tarumpitao Point Elementary School, Rizal Central School and Jose P. Rizal National High School.

“It is inspiring to see service members contributing to education on the home front,” said Malcolm S. Garma, DepEd officer in charge for operations.

“These students are the future of our nation. When we help them, we help build lasting peace and prosperity.”

Brigada Eskwela is DepEd’s annual nationwide program that brings together volunteers to help schools become clean, safe and welcoming before the opening of classes.

U.S. service members have regularly partnered with the AFP and Philippine government in community initiatives such as Brigada Eskwela, disaster response, joint training exercises and other outreach efforts.