About 240,000 workers nationwide will be deployed under the government’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers program to assist in Brigada Eskwela activities ahead of the opening of classes on 8 June.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) has allocated about P2 billion for the initiative, which will provide beneficiaries with up to 10 days of temporary employment while helping public schools prepare for the new school year.

“The TUPAD program will help in the repair, cleaning and maintenance of schools while providing temporary jobs that will benefit our fellow Filipinos and their families,” Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino said.

Under the program, workers will perform non-technical tasks such as cleaning classrooms, hauling furniture and learning materials, clearing vegetation, managing waste, repainting facilities and assisting in other school preparation activities.

DoLE said priority will be given to parents, guardians, siblings and relatives of students, as well as other qualified disadvantaged workers under existing TUPAD guidelines.

The agency said the program is intended to support both public schools and low-income families by providing short-term employment before the start of classes.

Beneficiaries may work for up to 10 days, with wages and benefits to be administered through DoLE field offices. School heads will supervise on-site activities in coordination with labor officials.