On June 13, 2025, the University of Baguio (UB), through its Research Innovation, Extension, and Community Outreach (RIECO) Office and the Community Outreach and Extension (COE) Coordinators from various departments, actively participated in the Department of Education’s Brigada Eskwela program at Lindawan Elementary School and Lindawan National High School. This initiative was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the University’s faculty members and students, along with personnel from the Campus Planning and Development Office (CPDO) and student marshals from the Security Office. Brigada Eskwela, a nationwide voluntary initiative, aims to mobilize stakeholders in preparing public schools for the opening of classes. It also serves as a platform for collaboration and community empowerment, where collective action translates into tangible improvements in school facilities. The University of Baguio’s active participation in this program exemplifies its institutional commitment to civic responsibility, social engagement, and the development of sustainable partnerships with local communities. Through its involvement, UB continues to fulfill its role not only as an academic institution but also as a key contributor to public education and nation-building.

Furthermore, embodying the values of bayanihan and volunteerism, faculty and staff volunteers worked alongside school personnel and local community members to accomplish a wide range of tasks. These included repainting classroom interiors and exterior walls, repairing and inspecting basic electrical wiring, installing emergency lights, sweeping floors, conducting general cleaning of learning spaces, and weeding overgrown areas within the school premises. These physical improvements not only enhanced the aesthetic and functional quality of the school environment but also promoted a stronger sense of readiness and pride among stakeholders in the lead-up to the new academic year. The Campus Planning and Development Office also extended material support by donating paints, paintbrushes, and emergency lights which are essential resources that contributed to the schools’ safety and infrastructure preparedness.

Lastly, the University’s participation in Brigada Eskwela supports several key objectives outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through this outreach activity, the University contributed directly to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by fostering a learning environment that is safe, inclusive, and conducive to student development. The initiative also addressed SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by improving public infrastructure at the grassroots level and strengthening educational institutions as community anchors. Moreover, by collaborating with schools and other local partners, the activity reinforced SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), demonstrating how intersectoral cooperation can advance shared goals in education and development. Through sustained outreach and extension services such as this, the University of Baguio continues to bridge academic resources with community needs, promoting a transformative impact rooted in education, service, and solidarity. These initiatives go beyond one-time engagements, they are part of a long-term commitment to social development that integrates the expertise of faculty, the energy of student volunteers, and the logistical support of institutional offices. By aligning its outreach activities with the actual needs of partner communities, UB fosters inclusive growth, supports local capacity-building, and cultivates a culture of empathy and social consciousness within its academic community. Ultimately, this synergy between the University and its stakeholders reinforces the value of higher education as a force for collective progress and sustainable development.