For the past 13 years, a dedicated team from Brother Philippines has consistently visited Inigan Elementary School, a small riverside school nestled in Rodriguez, Rizal for Brigada Eskwela. This year, the tradition continued on June 7, as employee-volunteers once again arrived and brought with them essential school supplies, engaged in interactive learning activities, and upheld their steadfast commitment to supporting education in underserved communities.
What began as a simple donation initiative has grown into a consistent and impactful partnership that has helped enhance learning conditions at Inigan Elementary School.
“Our 13-year journey with Inigan Elementary School through Brigada Eskwela embodies Brother Philippines’ core values of supporting communities and fostering education,” said Glenn Hocson, President of Brother Philippines. “We believe that by investing in the next generation, we are contributing to a brighter future for the Philippines. This partnership is a source of immense pride for our organization.”
The annual Brigada Eskwela event saw the participation of key partners, including representatives from Upson International Corporation and Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP). Their presence underscored the collaborative spirit driving this long-standing initiative.
Lasting impact of consistent support
Each year, Brother Philippine employees contribute school materials and volunteer their time to support teachers and students of Inigan Elementary School. The project has expanded over the years, with Brother Philippines and its partners making tangible improvements to the school’s infrastructure, such as the installation of solar panels, upgrades to the water system, and the provision of technology to strengthen classroom learning.
During the pandemic, Brother Philippines pivoted its support to meet urgent needs by donating printers and learning kits to aid in distance education. In 2023, the company followed up with more technology-focused donations, including laptops and printers to assist with both teaching and school administration duties.
This year’s Brigada Eskwela kept the spirit of service alive. Brother Philippines employees volunteered their time and resources, assisting students with their school needs through direct donations of school supplies and facilitating classroom games. Parents were grateful for these yearly donations and activities, stating that they no longer have to worry about buying school materials for their children.
In addition to the school supplies, Brother Philippines also donated three brand-new multifunction printers. At the same time, Upson International Corporation gave five laptops as support to the teachers of Inigan Elementary School. These tools are intended to help enhance classroom instruction and streamline administrative tasks, contributing to a more efficient and enriched learning environment.
“Malaki po talaga ang tulong ni Brother [Philippines] kasi, katulad po n’yan, iyong mga gamit hindi ko na po kailangang bilhin. Bilang single parent po, malaking bagay po para sa akin n’yan na taon-taon po ay bago ang mga gamit nila. (Brother Philippines provides us with significant help. Like the school supplies they donate, that means I don’t have to think about buying them anymore. As a single parent, it means a lot to me that my kids’ get new supplies every year),” shared Amy Lanuza, a parent from the Inigan community.
Teachers at Inigan Elementary School also expressed their appreciation for the company’s yearly initiative. They noted that Brother Philippines’ donations serve as a profound inspiration for students to study well and pursue their academic goals.
“Ever since dumating ako dito nung 2019, nakita ko iyong suporta ng Brother Philippines at PBSP. Ang laki ng impact kasi ang mga bata, inspiradong mag-aral. Walang hindrance…Inspirado sila kasi alam nila na, despite ng kanilang kalagayan sa buhay, may mga mabubuting tao na tumutulong sa kanila. (I witnessed Brother Philippines and PBSP’s support since I came here in 2019. It had a great impact because the kids are inspired to study well. There’s no hindrance…They’re inspired because they know, despite the circumstance, there are good people helping them),” said Sheilini Buenaflor, Head Teacher 1 and Teacher-in-Charge of Inigan Elementary School.
Advancing education through sustainable action
The tangible results of Brother Philippines’ sustained support are evident. Inigan Elementary School recently achieved the remarkable feat of placing in the top 2 in the National Achievement Test (NAT) across all of Rizal province. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of the school’s faculty and the enhanced learning environment fostered by consistent contributions.
As Brother celebrates its 25th year in the Philippines, the annual Brigada Eskwela event at Inigan Elementary School reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to inclusive and quality education, directly aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Sustainable Development Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). More than a single-day event, it stands as a meaningful example of how consistent, purpose-driven action can help shape a better future for students and communities alike.
To learn more about Brother Philippines’ corporate social responsibility efforts and community initiatives, please visit the company’s official website at brother.com.ph and follow its official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BROTHERatyourside.
