WITH the nationwide Brigada Eskwela kicking off today, environmental group BAN Toxics has partnered with Payatas B Elementary School (PBES) in Quezon City to campaign for a toxics-free and waste-free opening of classes on June 16, 2025. About 1,500 students, teachers, parents, local officials, and community partners participated in a community parade and clean-up drive to promote a safe and healthy learning environment for students, teachers, and school personnel.
Brigada Eskwela is an annual school maintenance program organized by the Department of Education (DepEd). Under DepEd Memo No. 042, s. 2025, this year’s Brigada Eskwela carries the theme “Sama-sama Para sa Bayang Bumabasa”, which highlights the spirit of bayanihan and community collaboration. The program also includes a focus on ensuring that all schools are well-prepared for the new school year by providing a clean, safe, and conducive learning environment for both learners and teachers.
“School is like a second home for our children, so it is crucial to protect their health and safety. Proper management of chemicals and waste must be an integral part of the school system to prevent harmful exposure to students and staff,” said Thony Dizon, Advocacy and Campaign Officer of BAN Toxics.
The environmental group gave a short presentation on their Toxics-Free and Waste-Free Schools Program (TFSP) and conducted screenings of paints, surfaces, and cleaning materials on the school premises using an XRF handheld analyzer to ensure they are free from harmful toxic substances.
According to Antonio Miranda, School Principal of PBES, working with organizations like BAN Toxics significantly contributes to promoting the well-being of students and teachers.
“We greatly appreciate the support of BAN Toxics and other partners in helping our school provide a safe and healthy learning environment for everyone,” Miranda said.
Last year, BAN Toxics and PBES signed an agreement to implement the TFSP, which aims to raise awareness about hazardous chemicals in schools, promote the sound management of chemicals and waste in school activities, and develop learning modules and exercises to protect students and faculty members from the harmful effects of toxic substances and hazardous waste.
The program also promotes zero-waste principles both at school and at home. This includes waste prevention by reducing consumption, encouraging reuse and repair, supporting composting and urban gardening, and minimizing reliance on single-use plastics.
The TFSP promotes the implementation of national policies on environmental awareness, chemical safety, and sustainable school practices, including the National Environmental Awareness and Education Act, DENR regulations on toxic chemicals, DepEd’s orders on lead-safe paints and waste management, and the Commission on Human Rights’ agenda on chemical safety.
BAN Toxics emphasized that initiatives like the TFSP complement DepEd’s efforts to foster safe and supportive learning environments. The group encourages the Department to further strengthen its commitment to toxics-free and waste-free schools by adopting a more systemic approach to chemical and waste management across all educational institutions.
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