Community-Led Change: Brigada Eskwela 2024 Sets New Standards in School Preparation with FamilyGuard and OFF! Mosquito Repellent

FamilyGuard, in partnership with DepEd and SMS Philippines, successfully launched its 3rd Brigada Eskwela from July 19–23, 2024. This year’s initiative marked a significant milestone, expanding its reach to more schools and communities than ever before, thanks to the concerted efforts of dedicated partners.

Ms. Ma. Regaele A. Olarte, OIC-Chief Education Supervisor of SGOD, SDO Muntinlupa, emphasized the impact of a well-maintained learning environment: “When learners are in a tidy and organized space, they are more focused, engaged, and motivated to learn. A clean environment also fosters a positive school culture, promoting community and collaboration among students.”

This year’s Brigada Eskwela underscored the critical importance of a clean and safe school environment for fostering a healthier learning experience. Every aspect of school infrastructure received meticulous attention, ensuring thorough cleaning and disinfection, thus setting the stage for an optimal educational atmosphere. The slogan that FamilyGuard, OFF! Mosquito Repellent, and SMS Philippines adapted for this year captures this well: “Sa eskwelang germ-free at lamok-free, estudyante ay happy.”

Recently, FamilyGuard’s support to Brigada Eskwela increased from 8 School Division Offices (SDOs) to 14, reaching from San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan to Calamba. This growth highlights the program’s increasing significance and its recognition as a highly anticipated annual event. Although Brigada Eskwela is a nationwide initiative by the Department of Education (DepEd), the participation of these 14 SDOs demonstrates a notable increase in our partnership’s engagement. Additionally, last year we partnered with only one brand, FamilyGuard. This year, we have added another brand which is OFF! Mosquito Repellent.

Central to this success was the collaboration between SC Johnson and SMS Philippines, the agency representative for Brigada Eskwela, which played a pivotal role by distributing 12,600 hygiene kits to all participating SDOs, including Bulacan, Valenzuela, Caloocan, Quezon City, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Pasig, Taguig, Makati, Manila, Pasay, Muntinlupa, Las Piñas, and Calamba.

Mr. Edwin Valles, Project Manager at SMS Philippines, articulated the agency’s commitment: “SMS is dedicated to providing Healthcare Solutions services. Supporting Brigada Eskwela aligns with our mission to promote cleanliness and prepare schools physically, ensuring healthy conditions for students, teachers, and the entire school community. We are honored that SC Johnson, through its brands FamilyGuard and OFF! Mosquito Repellent that shares these values, has chosen us to implement their support to Brigada Eskwela.”

In a notable gesture, SMS Philippines participated in the DepEd NCR Regional Brigada Eskwela kickoff event held in Pasig City as well as 13 others by contributing FamilyGuard and OFF! Mosquito Repellent products to reinforce their commitment to school readiness and hygiene.

Through the collaborative efforts of SC Johnson, DepEd, and SMS Philippines, Brigada Eskwela 2024 not only met but exceeded expectations, leaving a lasting impact on schools and communities across the Philippines. As the initiative continues to grow, it reinforces the spirit of bayanihan and underscores the transformative power of collective action in education.