Community at Work: SM Cares Joins Brigada Eskwela 2025

SM North EDSA volunteers sweep hallways for Brigada Eskwela—helping create clean, focused spaces where students can learn and grow.

From June 9 to 13, 2025, SM Supermalls engaged thousands of volunteers across its malls countrywide in support of the Department of Education's (DepEd) annual Brigada Eskwela campaign, to help prepare public schools for the new academic year. This year's Brigada Eskwela has the theme “Nagkakaisa para sa Handa at Ligtas na Pagbabalik Eskwela.”

Driven by the spirit of bayanihan, SM employee volunteers join Brigada Eskwela to help public schools prepare for the new academic year—fostering cleaner, safer, and more welcoming spaces where students and communities can thrive.

SM employees in action—offering their hands and hearts to help schools gear up for another inspiring year of learning.

As a long-time DepEd partner, SM Supermalls returned to Brigada Eskwela 2025 as part of its larger commitment to youth empowerment, environmental care, and inclusive community building.

The campaign was implemented in 75 SM Supermalls, with over a thousand employee volunteers collaborating with DepEd, local government units (LGUs), school officials, and community people.  It enabled community volunteers to have a direct impact by assisting schools in creating safe, clean, and inspirational learning environments.

“We are proud to be part of Brigada Eskwela again this year. Education is the cornerstone of nation-building, and through volunteerism and shared responsibility, we aim to help create safe and welcoming learning spaces for students all across the country.” ~Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls

An employee volunteer from SM Center Pasig organizes learning materials as part of Brigada Eskwela efforts to support public school readiness.

With every wipe and every gesture of care, SM City Novaliches volunteers bring classrooms closer to a brighter, cleaner start.

Demonstrating hands-on commitment, an employee volunteer from SM City Baliwag carefully stacks hollow blocks—contributing to stronger school infrastructure.

Embodying the spirit of bayanihan, SM City Sorsogon employee volunteers paint school chairs with dedication—bringing new life to classrooms through Brigada Eskwela.

Employee volunteers from SM Center Ormoc paint classrooms as part of Brigada Eskwela, helping create more inspiring learning spaces where students can thrive.

An SM City Mindpro volunteer helps clean the school grounds during Brigada Eskwela—making way for brighter days and better learning.

SM employee-volunteers worked on a variety of preparatory activities, such as classroom cleaning and disinfection, wall and learning space painting, desk and chair repairs, and the turnover of vital learning resources.  This annual endeavor not only improved school infrastructure, but also developed community ties and fostered a culture of solidarity, pride, and common responsibility for education.

The program helped 66 public schools around the country, ensuring that thousands of Filipino students may return to a clean, safe, and functional learning environment when classes start.

By supporting Brigada Eskwela 2025, SM Supermalls demonstrates its continued support and alignment with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, reflecting its commitment to fostering inclusive, sustainable development in every community it serves.

This initiative is also part of SM's broader advocacy through SM Cares, the company's corporate social responsibility arm, which champions programs for people with disabilities, senior citizens, the environment, women and breastfeeding mothers, children and youth, and bike-friendly initiatives.

For more updates on SM’s social good initiatives, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares or follow @OfficialSMCares on social media.