AS SUMMER vacation concludes, the familiar sounds of school return once again—the turning of paper pages, the clicking of retractable pens, and the hushed murmur of voices in the corridors. The once-forgotten energy of school revives a new kind of rhythm, fueling students’ eagerness to enroll. From the silence of summer break, voices echo through the halls, bringing the school back to life.
This week, several schools—including Busay National High School, Lahug National High School, and others across Cebu City—opened their gates to accommodate enrolling students. Hundreds of students squeezed through, eager to begin a new chapter of their lives. They inked papers with their signatures and names, preparing to be part of the new batch of students for the 2025–2026 school year.
Simultaneously, the Department of Education’s Brigada Eskwela 2025 program has commenced, mobilizing teachers, students, parents and community officials to prepare school facilities. The initiative encourages donations and volunteer services, fostering a collective effort for a fresh start to the school year.
Busay Councilor Junjun Lopez, one of the community officials, explained how Brigada Eskwela helps the school community: “It fosters a sense of community and social responsibility among stakeholders, including parents, LGU and private sectors.”
Kent Angcay, a Grade 12 student from Lahug National High School, shared, “Brigada Skwela aims to help the students to prepare in the opening of classes... for me as a student, I rendered my service by cleaning classrooms.” Besisa Baritugo, a parent, also shared her experience, “As a parent, I want my child to study in a school that has a safe and clean environment, so I help in cleaning for the Brigada Skwela. Brigada Skwela has its goal to keep the students safe, and as a parent, we should join and support it.”
A fresh start paved the way on June 16 as eager enrollees returned and participated in Brigada Eskwela ’25, which was launched in the second week of the month. As the first day of class approaches, may the services and donated essentials from Brigada Eskwela ’25 help students feel the freshness of the 2025–2026 school year.
Fiona Baritugo & Justice Dawn Barte/ Lahug National High School (Night)