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Maxim Rides & Food Delivery Launches Back-to-School Initiatives Across Three Cities

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Ahead of the opening of classes for School Year 2026-2027, Maxim Rides & Food Delivery and its driver-partners conducted back-to-school initiatives in Batangas City, Mabalacat City, and Zamboanga City, providing volunteer support, school supplies, and other essential resources through Brigada Eskwela activities and school supply distribution programs.

In Mabalacat City, Pampanga, Maxim joined the Brigada Eskwela program at Mabiga Elementary School on June 3, 2026. A total of 190 Maxim riders volunteered their time and effort, assisting with school maintenance and improvement projects to help prepare the campus for the new academic year.

In Batangas City, 21 Maxim riders participated in Brigada Eskwela activities at Alangilan Central Elementary School and Sampaga Elementary School on June 3, 2026. The volunteers assisted with school maintenance efforts and donated school supplies and cleaning materials to help create a conducive learning environment for students and teachers.

In Zamboanga City, Maxim riders distributed school supplies to students of Lanzones Elementary School as part of Maxim’s ongoing commitment to support education and community development. The distribution was attended by school officials, teachers, students, and Maxim driver-partners. The initiative provided learners with essential educational materials, including notebooks, pencils, and rulers, helping them prepare for the new school year.

Through its participation in Brigada Eskwela and school supply distribution programs, Maxim continues to support local schools and students as they prepare for the new school year. These initiatives complement the company’s other social programs, including disaster relief operations, clean-up drives, and outreach activities reflecting its commitment to promoting education, public health, environmental care, and social responsibility in the communities it serves.

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Community

AboitizPower expands education support in Maco and Nasipit.

by Contributor
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TMI Brigada work mode on: (Left)Teachers and students of Mateo B. Abao Central Elementary School (MACES) in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, express their gratitude for the school supplies received from AboitizPower’s Therma Marine, Inc. (TMI) during the culmination of the Aral Summer Program on June 2, 2026. (Right) TMI team members repair school facilities, including wiring and sinks, to provide a safer and more conducive learning environment for the students of Maco Central Heights Central Elementary School during the conduct of Brigada Eskwela.

For many students, a notebook, a pen, or a freshly prepared classroom may seem like simple things. But for young learners striving to build their future, these can make a meaningful difference in their confidence, motivation, and ability to learn.

Recognizing the important role that education plays in shaping stronger communities, AboitizPower subsidiary Therma Marine Inc. (TMI) power barges, recently supported schools in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, and Maco, Davao de Oro.

In Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, TMI volunteers donated school supplies to young learners at Mateo B. Abao Central Elementary School (MACES) as part of the school’s Continuous Improvement (CI) Project, Children At Risk in Reading (CARR).

The initiative supports learners who need additional help developing their reading skills, providing essential learning tools to build confidence and strengthen literacy.

For Aira Rose Cabaron, MACES Aral Coordinator and Continuous Improvement Team Leader, the donation goes beyond just school supplies.

“We are deeply grateful for AboitizPower’s unwavering support. Their partnership in our Children At Risk in Reading (CARR) project is a testament to their commitment to our community, ensuring that our learners have the resources they need to thrive and succeed,” Cabaron said.

“It takes a community to raise a child. The spirit of bayanihan is woven into our culture, and supporting our host community is central to who we are,” said Engr. Jerome Luchavez, TMI Nasipit Senior Manager for Operations and Maintenance.

Meanwhile, in  Maco, Davao de Oro, TMI volunteers joined Brigada Eskwela activities at Maco Heights Central Elementary School, helping prepare the campus for the school opening. Employee volunteers repainted facilities, repaired electrical wiring and sinks, and cleaned school grounds to help create a safer, more welcoming, and conducive learning environment for students and teachers. School Principal III Dr. Felvic B. Pernito expressed appreciation for the initiative and its positive impact on the school community.

“TMI’s generosity and commitment have helped create a more inspiring, safe, and learner-friendly environment as we prepare for School Year 2026–2027. The partnership reflects the true spirit of bayanihan, empowering our school community to provide better learning opportunities for every child,” said Dr. Pernito.

“We believe in the power of education as the foundation for growth, which is why we continue to empower our schools, generate a positive impact in our communities, and boost the learning experience for every child,” said Engr: Benedicto Dejan Jr., TMI Maco Senior Manager for Operations and Maintenance.

Beyond supporting schools through volunteerism and learning initiatives, TMI continues to invest in the long-term development of its host communities through scholarship programs that help young people pursue higher education. To date, TMI has helped to produce 13 college scholar graduates, helping open pathways to greater opportunities for local youth.

As TMI continues to provide ancillary services that help stabilize the Mindanao grid through its two 100 MW oil-fired power barges in Maco and Nasipit, it remains equally committed to helping energize communities by supporting the next generation of learners, leaders, and changemakers.

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Community

AboitizPower Davao Business Units team up for Brigada Eskwela

by Contributor
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Project Bugsay. A total of40 AboitizPower employee-volunteers showed the spirit of Bayanihan as they trimmed overgrown grass, collected waste, cleaned classrooms, and beautified the school garden of Binugao Central Elementary School in preparation for the opening of classes.

Davao City — Demonstrating a shared commitment to education and community development, personnel from AboitizPower subsidiaries Therma South, Inc. (TSI), together with HEDCOR, and Davao Light and Power Company, joined forces for Brigada Eskwela at Binugao Central Elementary School on May 30, 2026.

In the spirit of bayanihan, employee-volunteers of AboitizPower Davao Business Units helped the teachers construct a pathwalk using pavers to provide students and school personnel a safer and accessible walkway for the upcoming school opening. Inspired also by the culture of volunteerism, they also joined in grass trimming, waste collection, and classroom cleaning.

The pavers used for the pathwalk are eco-bricks made from fly ash, a byproduct generated from the use of coal and limestone in TSI’s operations. Through innovation and the concept of the circular economy, these waste materials were transformed into durable pavers.

The initiative forms part of the BRICK Hub Project (Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities through Kaibigans), an AboitizPower program that supports host communities by promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities and community-based enterprise development.

“Dako kaayo among pasalamat sa AboitizPower ug sa tanan nilang volunteers nga naghatag sa ilang oras ug kusog alang sa among eskwelahan. Dili lang kini tabang sa paglimpyo ug pagpanindot sa among palibot, apan usa usab ka dakong inspirasyon sa among mga estudyante nga makita ang kahinungdanon sa pagtinabangay ug pag-alagad sa komunidad,” said Mary Anna Agustino Saniel, Principal of Binugao Central Elementary School.

Atty. Alona Ruyeras-Borromeo, Assistant Vice President for Corporate Services, AboitizPower Transition Business Group, emphasized that beyond generating power, AboitizPower helps build stronger and more resilient communities through meaningful volunteer initiatives.

“Beyond powering homes and industries, we believe that our role is also to contribute to nation-building. Through simple yet meaningful initiatives such as Brigada Eskwela, we can help create a better learning environment for students and support our education sector partners in preparing for a productive school year,” Atty. Borromeo said.

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Community

Aboitiz Renewables paints a brighter school year for students across 31 host community schools 

by Contributor
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AS SCHOOL Year 2026–2027 begins, Aboitiz Renewables, Inc., the renewable energy arm of Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower), is welcoming students back to something better. In the weeks leading up to the school opening, the company mobilized employees, resources, and local partners through Brigada Eskwela initiatives across its host communities nationwide — repainting classrooms, repairing facilities, and putting new learning materials in place so that students could walk through the school gates and into spaces that were safer, better equipped, and ready for a new year. 

Across 31 public schools and three Schools Division Offices in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, Aboitiz Renewables provided over PHP 529,000 worth of support — covering paint, construction and electrical materials, school supplies, water pipes, and school garden materials, among others. Working side by side with teachers, parents, local government representatives, and community partners, the initiatives directly benefited the learners, with each activity shaped by the specific needs of the school community it served. 

In the Cordillera, six schools — including Bodiweng Elementary School, Ampucao National High School, and Bakun National High School — received paint, LED bulbs, brushes, rollers, and protective equipment, giving classrooms in the highlands a fresh start ahead of the school opening. 

Closer to Manila, the Makban Geothermal Power Plant host communities span Bay and Calauan in Laguna and Sto. Tomas in Batangas brought out 63 volunteers for a hands-on activity day at Sta. Elena Elementary School, where four classrooms and shared areas were repainted. Paint and construction materials were also distributed to 10 other schools in the area — among them Bitin Elementary School, San Pedro National High School, and San Jose Elementary School — as well as three Schools Division Offices, reaching classrooms that needed support beyond what a single activity day could cover. 

In Tiwi, Albay, 44 volunteers turned up at Putsan Elementary School to repaint its 10-classroom Edna Sanchez Building and improve other areas of the campus. Materials and manpower support were extended to eight other schools in the area as well, from Tiwi Central Elementary School and Car-Nag Elementary School to Libjo, Biyong, Cale, and Belen Elementary Schools. 

“The support from Aboitiz Renewables played an important role in the success of our Brigada Eskwela activities. Volunteers participated in cleaning, repairing, and beautifying different areas of the school — helping accomplish improvements that would have been difficult to complete with our limited resources alone,” said Cynthia C. Competente, Master Teacher 2 and Teacher-in-Charge of Putsan Elementary School. 

Rounding out the nationwide effort, Bontongon Elementary School, Lingion Elementary School, and Maluko National High School in Bukidnon, Northern Mindanao received painting, electrical, plumbing, and construction materials — meeting the ground-level needs that teachers and community partners had identified ahead of the new school year. 

From the highlands of the Cordillera to the classrooms of Bukidnon, each initiative looked different on the ground — but pointed toward the same thing: giving students a school year that starts well. 

“Every child who walks into a well-prepared classroom is one step closer to reaching their full potential. We believe that today’s learners are tomorrow’s leaders, and that helping schools open their doors ready for students is one of the most meaningful ways we can invest in the communities we serve,” said Alexander B. Coo, Chief Operating Officer at Aboitiz Renewables. “When employees, teachers, parents, and community partners come together the way they did this Brigada Eskwela, the impact goes far beyond fresh paint — it is an investment in every young person who is only beginning to discover what they are capable of.” 

Through Brigada Eskwela and its broader community programs, Aboitiz Renewables continues to work alongside host communities in support of public education — because a brighter school year is the beginning of a brighter future. 

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Community

SM Davao employees spread social good through Brigada Eskwela 2026

by Contributor
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SM City Davao Assistant Mall Managers Jezer Gutierrez (leftmost) and Monina Tico (2nd from left) headed the turnover of trash bins, gardening tools, and cleaning materials to the Riverside Elementary School

DAVAO CITY – SM Lanang and SM City Davao employees helped prepare safer and more welcoming learning spaces for students by volunteering to clean and repaint classrooms and school grounds in two public schools in Davao City in support of the Department of Education’s Brigada Eskwela. Around 70 employees from both malls helped clean school facilities and grounds in Vicente Hizon, Sr. Elementary School and Riverside Elementary School in Calinan District in separate HR-led activities conducted on June 5, 2026.

Ms. Kimberly Ann Remolona (2nd from right), mall manager of SM Lanang, led the turnover of cleaning tools and paint kits to Vicente Hizon Sr. Elementary School on June 5, 2026.
SM City Davao employees helped weed school grounds at Riverside Elementary School in Calinan District.
SM Lanang employees cleaned up and painted classrooms in Vicente Hizon, Sr Elementary School.

The two malls also handed over some cleaning tools, paint kits, and trash bins to the schools, respectively. This year’s Brigada Eskwela, themed “Bayanihan sa Paaralan: Nagkaisa para sa Kaayusan at Kaalaman”, highlights volunteer initiatives to ensure a clean, safe, and inclusive learning, teaching, and working environment for learners, teachers, and non-teaching personnel.

Through volunteerism, cleanup drives, and coordinated efforts, SM Davao malls help prepare environments conducive to learning and teaching, supporting students and educators in their daily school activities. The two malls have a longstanding tradition of participating in the annual Brigada Eskwela under the malls’ employee volunteerism program of the HR Department.

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EducationEnvironment

Brigada Eskwela 2026: EcoWaste Coalition Promotes Pollution Prevention and Reduction for Cleaner and Safer Schools

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QUEZON CITY —  With the school community gearing up for Brigada Eskwela, an environmental watchdog group offered ecological tips to prevent and reduce pollution during the pre-school cleanup drives.

To ensure cleaner and safer schools, the EcoWaste Coalition prompted principals, teachers, parents, and community members to prioritize pollution prevention as they join hands in sprucing up public schools before classes start.

“Adopting these tips guarantees cleaner, safer school environments by minimizing waste and preventing toxic exposure during Brigada Eskwela and afterward,” said Ochie Tolentino, zero waste campaigner, EcoWaste Coalition.


To prevent and reduce environmental pollutants, the EcoWaste Coalition encouraged Brigada Eskwela stakeholders to consider the following tips:
 

1.  Maximize the use of social media to reach out to the school community.  Avoid the use of plastic tarpaulins, which may contain toxic cadmium and/or lead, for Brigada Eskwela and other school announcements. If banners are preferred, opt for coconut or taffeta cloth.

2.  Enforce the ban on smoking and vaping in school premises in line with DepEd Order No. 48, series of 2016, DepEd Memorandum No. 111, series of 2019, and other related issuances.

3.  Encourage participants to go plastic-free: bring food and water in reusable containers, and refrain from bringing single-use plastics into the school. 

4.  Obey the ban on open burning and open dumping; abide by the requirements of RA No. 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.
 

5.  Sort, do not mix, discards from cleanup efforts to facilitate their reuse, recycling, or composting, and cut the volume of garbage for disposal. 


6.  Compost yard trimmings and biodegradable discards in the school composting area to produce natural fertilizer or soil enhancer for the school garden.

7.  Clean up the school’s Materials Recovery Facility (MRF); clean the containers or segregators and label them accordingly; assign a separate container for special waste such as fluorescent lamps and other hazardous waste.

8.  Handle busted mercury-containing fluorescent lamps with care to prevent breakage; do not burn or mix such lamps with ordinary trash; properly store and dispose of them as hazardous waste; replace them with mercury-free and more energy-efficient LED lights with ICC stickers or PS marks.

9.  Segregate non-functional computers, defective gadgets, broken appliances, spent batteries, and other electronic waste or e-waste for safe storage, recycling, or disposal.

10.  Choose safer cleaning supplies instead of harsh chemicals like oxalic or muriatic acid, which can burn your eyes, skin, and lungs. Always check product labels for warning symbols and follow the safety directions carefully.  Never combine bleach with ammonia or acids to avoid toxic fumes.  

11.  Ensure mandatory use of lead-safe paints, as required by DepEd Order No. 4, series of 2017, in decorating classrooms, doors, windows, chairs, tables, and cabinets, library, canteen, covered court, playground, play equipment, fences, gates, and other school structures.

12.  Avoid dry sanding, dry scraping, and other improper methods of removing lead-painted surfaces to prevent the spread of hazardous lead dust and paint chips.

13.  Wipe down all surfaces, including floors, windows, frames, sills, and furniture, with a damp mop or cloth to remove dust.  Wash the mop or rag thoroughly afterward.

“The EcoWaste Coalition wishes DepEd and all schools nationwide a united, waste-free, and pollution-free Brigada Eskwela,” Tolentino concluded.

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Uncategorized

How Canva empowers teachers to keep the Filipino culture alive

by Contributor
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FOR TODAY’S students, culture and tradition can sometimes feel distant in a world that moves at the speed of digital content. But technology offers a way to bridge the gap, turning tradition into something engaging and relevant. With accessible design tools, teachers are transforming heritage into something vibrant, engaging, and deeply relevant for the students of today. 

This vision comes to life through the work of two Canva education creators Lulu Campoto and Egg Quiñosa Jr., who use design to turn everyday lessons into meaningful, engaging experiences. 

Creativity rooted in community

For Lulu, who spent eight years as an early childhood teacher, art has always been more than a classroom activity. It’s a way to connect people. 

“Art has the power to unite people, both physically and culturally. By sharing a community’s story or an inspiring reflection, we build connections that bridge differences,” she shares. 

When Lulu discovered Canva, she saw how design could transform her classroom. Bright visuals and interactive projects didn’t just make classes more engaging; they also helped students appreciate and celebrate their own heritage. 

One tradition especially close to her heart is Brigada Eskwela, the back-to-school tradition that brings teachers, parents, and volunteers together. For Lulu, it’s more than just cleaning and decorating classrooms—it’s a living expression of bayanihan, the Filipino spirit of working together. By weaving this tradition with digital design, she shows her students that community, culture, and the future are interconnected.

Culture woven into every lesson

Egg’s classroom materials bring culture to the forefront, blending tradition, design and storytelling to inspire deeper learning. Egg Quiñosa – Canva

Teaching Araling Panlipunan, Egg realized something early on: when lessons looked intentional and well-crafted, students were more curious, engaged, and inspired to participate. 

For him, design isn’t decoration—it’s a tool for transformation. 

“It’s not just about making things look nice. It’s about helping students see the value of their own culture and social realities in a modern, digital space,” Egg explains.

Through Canva, Egg designs learning materials that make complex ideas easier to grasp without losing depth. By incorporating Filipino patterns, colors, and symbols, he gives lessons a cultural heartbeat. “When we design with intention, we’re not just teaching facts. We are helping our students connect with their culture, think critically about our society, and imagine how they can make a difference.” 

For his students, lessons are no longer just textbook chapters. They’re living reminders that they’re part of an unfolding story, and that they have the power to shape its future.

In a globalized, digital world, local traditions risk being overshadowed. Teachers like Lulu and Egg show why it matters to keep them alive.  By bringing Filipino culture directly into the classroom, they give students a sense of belonging and pride, while also encouraging them to see themselves as change makers.

Egg notes, “When students see their own culture, traditions, and stories woven into our activities and discussions, it does more than affirm their heritage. It challenges them to think critically about their role in nation-building.”

Lulu adds, “By incorporating Filipino culture into our materials, we serve as a reminder of our identity to the youth, fostering a sense of purpose within them.”

Behind this work is a simple but powerful truth: when teachers have the right tools, education becomes a source of inspiration. 

One such tool is Canva Education, which makes Canva freely available to K-12 students and teachers nationwide. With easy-to-use tools and a rich library of templates, patterns, and resources, Canva empowers educators to create materials that are simple, powerful, and accessible, ensuring heritage has a place in today’s classrooms.

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Community

BPI’s LSB joins Brigada Eskwela nationwide

by Contributor
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The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), through Legazpi Savings Bank (LSB), joined the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Brigada Eskwela initiative by participating in volunteer-driven clean-up and repair efforts in public schools across the country.

Brigada Eskwela highlights the Filipino spirit of bayanihan, with volunteers from various sectors coming together to prepare schools for the upcoming academic year. LSB joined the initiative across host schools representing 16 regions, with a hundred BPI and LSB employees actively participating in activities such as repainting classrooms, cleaning school grounds, and repairing basic facilities—demonstrating the Bank’s strong commitment to nation-building, employee engagement, and social responsibility.

Through accessible and affordable financial services, LSB empowers teachers to achieve their personal and professional goals.

This initiative is aligned with BPI’s vision of empowering teachers and students alike. Through LSB, BPI provides accessible and affordable financial services to educators while also supporting learners beyond academics, creating a more inclusive and enabling learning environment.

In 2024, LSB recorded a 41% increase in loan releases, a strong indicator of growing trust and demand. With its Teacher’s Loan offer now available in over 1,000 BPI and BanKo branches nationwide, the bank anticipates even stronger performance in 2025.

By taking part in Brigada Eskwela, LSB not only supports the improvement of school facilities but also reinforces the role of volunteerism in driving sustainable development and uplifting communities.

For more information on LSB and its products, visit https://www.legazpibank.com.ph/.

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