When Service Shows Up: Rotary District 3780 Kicks Off Brigada Eskwela 2026

Originally published in the Governor’s Monthly Letter — August 2026. District Activities.

By: Community Service Vice Chairman Bhjorn Dai Paingan

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WHEN SERVICE SHOWS UP: ROTARY DISTRICT 3780 KICKS OFF BRIGADA ESKWELA 2026 By: Community Service Vice Chairman Bhjorn Dai Paingan “A morning of brooms, boxes, blood pressure monitors—and a shared promise to help schools thrive” There is something powerful about the first day of Brigada Eskwela. Before the classrooms fill with laughter and lessons, there is the familiar sound of brooms sweeping floors, furniture being moved, walls being cleaned, and volunteers quietly preparing a school for another year of learning. On June 1, 2026, that spirit came alive at Quirino High School along Molave Street, Quezon City, as Rotary District 3780 officially launched its Brigada Eskwela 2026 Kick-Off—turning a school into a meeting place for service, partnership, and community action. The initiative was headed by District Community Service Chairman CP Meric Mara and organized and coordinated by Community Service Vice Chairman Bhjorn “Dai” Paingan, bringing together district leaders and Rotarians in support of the Department of Education's annual Brigada Eskwela program. But this was more than a clean-up activity. It was a call to action. District officers, particularly the Legacy Presidents, were encouraged to participate and contribute whatever they could—from cleaning materials and detergent soaps to blood pressure monitoring tools and other essential supplies that can support the needs of public schools. The beauty of Brigada Eskwela is its simplicity: everyone has something to give. A box of supplies. A few hours of volunteer work. A connection with a school. A willingness to show up.

Representing the schools of Quezon City was QCPSTA President Erlinda Alfonso, who received the donations on behalf of the city's public schools. Her presence underscored an important message: when civic organizations and educators work together, service becomes more meaningful and more responsive to what communities actually need. For Rotary District 3780, the kick-off also served another purpose. It provided a working template that Rotary clubs can adapt as they conduct their own Brigada Eskwela activities in their adopted schools. From mobilizing volunteers to gathering resources and coordinating with school communities, the district initiative demonstrated how a shared vision can become a practical blueprint for action. District Governor Rhyan Virrey reaffirmed his commitment to fully support the education sector, emphasizing the importance of projects aligned with Rotary's Area of Focus on Basic Education and Literacy. And perhaps that is what makes this year's Brigada Eskwela especially significant. Because education does not begin when the teacher enters the classroom. It begins with creating an environment where children feel ready to learn. A clean classroom. A prepared school. A supported teacher. A community that cares. This is service in action. As Rotary clubs across District 3780 take the Brigada Eskwela spirit into their adopted schools, the June 1 kick-off at Quirino High School becomes more than an event on the calendar. It becomes a starting point. One school. One club. One community at a time—creating lasting impact.