LUUK, Sulu — Soldiers operating under the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade in Sulu join hands in the simultaneous Brigada Eskwela 2025 activities in Omar, Sulu as a continued support of national education and peace-building efforts with the theme “Sama-Sama Para sa Bayang Bumabasa.”

Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino delos Santos, commander of the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, said yesterday that the soldiers help sweep school grounds, clear overgrown vegetation, and repair fences, ensuring the school is ready for the incoming school year.

Soldiers help in a half-day community cleanup and minor repair drive of Tandu Panuan Elementary School in Barangay Niangkaan, Tandu Panuan Elementary School, located in Barangay Niangkaan, and Bulaghaw Elementary School in Barangay Bulaghaw, all located in Omar town.

Delos Santos emphasized that Brigada Eskwela is more than a school preparation activity — it embodies our collective effort to build a better future.

“When we help prepare schools, we are not just fixing fences or cleaning classrooms; we are reinforcing the foundation of peace and progress in our communities,” he said.

Delos Santos emphasized that in places like Sulu, education is a key weapon against conflict, stating, “In Sulu, where communities have endured the impact of conflict, education is a vital key to sustaining peace. A well-educated youth is less vulnerable to violence, extremism and exploitation. Schools are sanctuaries of hope — and we, as soldiers, are proud to protect and support them,” Delos Santos explained.

Meanwhile, Delos Santos announced that the 1102nd Brigade will soon roll out the Army Literacy Program for Sulu (ALPS) across its area of operations.

This initiative aims to bring basic literacy classes, reading comprehension support, and values education to far-flung barangays, with the support of the Department of Education, local government units (LGUs) and civil society partners.

“Through ALPS, we are extending our mission from security to social transformation. This is our investment in the next generation of peacebuilders. When we teach a child to read, we help a community to rise,” Delos Santos concluded.