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As Filipino students prepare to return to school, the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation (GBF), together with the Gokongwei Group, once again demonstrated the power of collective action through the Juan Community for Education volunteerism program during Brigada Eskwela.
From June 1 to 6, employees from 17 Gokongwei Group business units came together to help clean, repair, and prepare 113 public schools across the country in time for the opening of School Year 2026–2027. Through this shared effort, volunteers helped create learning environments that are clean, safe, and welcoming for both learners and educators.
A Group-Wide Commitment to Education
Brigada Eskwela has long been a nationwide movement that brings together communities in preparing schools before classes begin. For the Gokongwei Group, it also serves as an opportunity for employees to give back through meaningful volunteerism that directly supports Filipino learners.
Volunteers from various business units rolled up their sleeves to participate in school clean-up activities, classroom preparation, minor repairs, painting, and other improvement initiatives alongside school administrators, teachers, parents, and local community members.
Among the participating business units were Universal Robina Corporation, Cebu Pacific Air, Robinsons Land Corporation, Robinsons Retail Holdings, GoTyme, Maxicare, and many other Gokongwei Group companies, including members of the Gokongwei family, reflecting a united commitment to supporting education and strengthening communities.
One of the volunteer activities took place at a public school in Mandaluyong City, where the Office of Senator Bam Aquino joined GBF and Gokongwei Group volunteers in preparing classrooms for the opening of classes. During the activity, Senator Bam thanked the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation and the Gokongwei Group for their continued support of education initiatives such as Brigada Eskwela, recognizing the value of partnerships between the private sector, government, and local communities in creating better learning environments for Filipino students.
Creating Spaces Where Learning Can Thrive
A well-prepared classroom goes beyond freshly painted walls and clean floors. Safe and welcoming learning spaces help set the tone for a positive school year, allowing learners and teachers to focus on what matters most—learning.
By volunteering their time and effort, employees across the Gokongwei Group contributed not only to improving school facilities but also to fostering a culture of service and shared responsibility.
Lisa Gokongwei-Cheng, General Manager of the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation, emphasized the importance of coming together to support schools and learners.
"GBF and the Gokongwei Group is united in creating learning spaces that are clean, safe and welcoming. Brigada Eskwela has always been a meaningful reminder of what community can do when we come together. It's more than just preparing classrooms, it's a shared act of care, service and bayanihan for our learners, teachers and schools. Through these efforts we hope to contribute to inspired learning and to help our young learners see that their communities are behind them."
Volunteerism That Strengthens Communities
The Juan Community for Education volunteerism program reflects the Gokongwei Group's shared belief that education is a collective responsibility. By bringing together employees from different businesses, the initiative demonstrates how organizations can work alongside schools and local communities to create meaningful impact.
Whether through cleaning classrooms, repainting walls, organizing learning spaces, or simply lending a helping hand, every volunteer contributed to ensuring that thousands of students begin the new school year in an environment that supports learning and growth.
Building the Future Together
As schools open their doors for another academic year, the Juan Community for Education volunteerism program stands as a reminder that building better learning environments requires the participation of everyone.
Through Brigada Eskwela, the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation and the Gokongwei Group continue to champion the spirit of bayanihan—working hand in hand with schools and communities to help every learner start the school year with confidence in a clean, safe, and inspiring place to learn.
