EASTWEST Rural Bank (EWRB) continued its strong community involvement by supporting the Department of Education’s Brigada Eskwela 2025 through two focused efforts: the annual physical test (APT) initiative and its flagship volunteer program, EWRB in Action. Both efforts were launched nationwide to support the physical, mental, and academic readiness of educators and learners alike under this year’s campaign theme, “Sama-sama para sa Bayang Bumabasa.”
Promoting teacher wellness through APT
In a bid to care for the country’s educators, EWRB rolled out the APT program once again. It offered free medical checkups such as CBC, urinalysis, and chest X-rays to DepEd teachers and non-teaching staff. The program also included financial literacy and cybersecurity sessions to help participants protect both their health and finances.
“This initiative shows how we live out our core value, ‘I Respond,’” said Sheila Marasigan Bajado, president of EastWest Rural Bank. “We recognize that to uplift education, we must also take care of the people behind it.”
The program was officially rolled out during the Brigada Eskwela national and regional kick-offs, with over 600 DepEd personnel serving at the national level and an estimated 3,000 more nationwide throughout the week-long campaign.
EWRB in action: Beautifying schools nationwide
Simultaneously, EastWest Rural Bank’s “EWRB in Action” initiative extended tangible classroom support by distributing beautification materials, school supplies, and mobilizing employee volunteers to aid in school preparation.
Aligned with the 2025 Brigada Eskwela theme, “Sama-sama para sa Bayang Bumabasa,” the program benefited 846 public schools across the country through donations of paint, restoration tools, and on-ground assistance. Wellness booths and giveaways further strengthened EWRB’s engagement with local communities.
“Their presence in the field brings meaningful impact to the schools and learners they serve,” said Davedinah “Dove” Cometa, Project Development Officer III at the DepEd Central Office – External Partnerships Service.
Shared impact, shared purpose
EastWest Rural Bank’s Brigada Eskwela efforts reached all regions. The programs offered health services and classroom support, with each one focused on meeting the specific needs of schools and teachers in practical ways.
Dr. Jinky B. Firman, schools division superintendent in Panabo City, where both programs were conducted, commended the initiative: “We deeply appreciate EastWest Rural Bank’s support for our teachers, not only through health and financial wellness programs, but also by providing much-needed supplies for our schools. The help they extended was timely and truly meaningful.”
“It’s a privilege to support our public school teachers and students as they prepare for a new school year,” added Hera Duka, EWRB’s Sustainability Champion. “We focus on providing real, practical help through health services, classroom support, or other specific needs identified by each school.”
