Community at work: SM Cares joins Brigada Eskwela 2025

DRIVEN by the spirit of bayanihan, SM employee volunteers join Brigada Eskwela to help public schools prepare for the new academic year — fostering cleaner, safer, and more welcoming spaces where students and communities can thrive.Photograph courtesy of SM

Published on:

20 Jun 2025, 03:13

In support of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) annual Brigada Eskwela initiative, SM Supermalls mobilized thousands of volunteers across its malls nationwide from 9 to 13 June 2025, to help prepare public schools for the upcoming academic year. This year’s Brigada Eskwela carried the theme, “Nagkakaisa para sa Handa at Ligtas na Pagbabalik Eskwela.”

SM employees in action — offering their hands and hearts to help schools gear up for another inspiring year of learning.

As a long-time DepEd partner, SM Supermalls once again participated in Brigada Eskwela 2025 as part of its broader commitment to youth empowerment, environmental stewardship, and inclusive community building.

The initiative was rolled out across 75 SM Supermalls, with more than a thousand employee-volunteers working hand-in-hand with DepEd, local government units (LGUs), school representatives, and community members. It empowered community volunteers to make a tangible impact by helping schools prepare safe, clean, and inspiring learning environments.

AN employee volunteer from SM Center Pasig organizes learning materials as part of Brigada Eskwela efforts to support public school readiness.

“We are proud to be part of Brigada Eskwela again this year. Education is the cornerstone of nation-building, and through volunteerism and shared responsibility, we aim to help create safe and welcoming learning spaces for students all across the country,” said Steven Tan, president of SM Supermalls.

SM employee-volunteers engaged in a wide range of preparatory activities including classroom cleaning and disinfection, repainting of walls and learning spaces, repairs of desks and chairs, and the turnover of essential learning materials. Through shared efforts, this annual initiative not only enhanced school facilities but also strengthened community ties and encouraged a culture of unity, pride, and collective responsibility for education.

WITH every wipe and every gesture of care, SM City Novaliches volunteers bring classrooms closer to a brighter, cleaner start.

The program benefited 66 public schools across the country, helping ensure that thousands of Filipino learners return to a clean, safe, and functional learning environment when classes resume.

By supporting Brigada Eskwela 2025, SM Supermalls reinforces its continued support and alignment with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, reflecting its commitment to fostering inclusive, sustainable development in every community it serves.

DEMONSTRATING hands-on commitment, an employee volunteer from SM City Baliwag carefully stacks hollow blocks — contributing to stronger school infrastructure.

This initiative also forms part of SM’s broader advocacy under SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, which champions programs for Persons with Disabilities, Senior Citizens, the Environment, Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Children and Youth and Bike-Friendly initiatives.

EMBODYING the spirit of bayanihan, SM City Sorsogon employee volunteers paint school chairs with dedication — bringing new life to classrooms through Brigada Eskwela.

For more updates on SM’s social good initiatives, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares or follow @OfficialSMCares on social media.

AN SM City Mindoro volunteer helps clean the school grounds during Brigada Eskwela — making way for brighter days and better learning.

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