Brigada Eskwela initiative creates safer and more welcoming spaces for over 7,800 students ahead of the new school year
TELUS Digital Philippines brought together the power of community and compassion through its TELUS Days of Giving (TDOG) initiative, mobilizing 1,500 employee-volunteers to help prepare two public schools in Tondo, Manila for the new academic year. At the heart of this large-scale effort were T. Paez Elementary School and T. Paez Integrated School, which serve more than 7,800 students combined—many of whom rely on these institutions not just for learning, but for hope and opportunity.
Turning Classrooms Into Spaces of Possibility
Volunteers rolled up their sleeves and revitalized learning environments from the ground up. They repainted 93 classrooms, gave 29 hallways and 33 staircases a fresh look, and refurbished 140 chairs—infusing new life into aging spaces. Two vibrant murals now add color and creativity to the campus, while a new outdoor learning and recreation area offers students much-needed room to learn and play beyond their often-crowded classrooms.
To help ease the discomfort of tropical heat, TELUS Digital also donated 103 electric fans—ensuring that students can focus better and learn more comfortably. Ahead of the volunteer event, the company also supported major infrastructure repairs, including roof waterproofing, ceiling and door upgrades, and electrical fixes, all in preparation for the volunteer-powered transformation.
Recognizing the need for safe communal spaces, TELUS Digital also funded and built student activity sheds at T. Paez Integrated School. These new spaces—complete with covered benches, tables, and landscaped surroundings—serve as a haven where students can relax, connect, and recharge. The project was made possible through the TDOG Share to Care campaign, where TELUS team members raised the required funds in just two weeks.
“This isn’t just about fixing schools—it’s about reimagining what schools can be: places where students feel seen, supported, and inspired,” shared Rajiv M. Dhand, Regional Vice President, Asia Pacific and Africa, TELUS Digital.
11 Years of Impact, 100,000+ Volunteer Hours
This latest initiative is part of TELUS Digital’s long-running support for Brigada Eskwela, the Department of Education’s flagship school-readiness program. Since 2014, TELUS Digital Philippines has rallied over 20,000 volunteers who have contributed more than 100,000 volunteer hours to improving educational spaces across the country.
During a culminating celebration at the covered court of T. Paez Integrated School, students and teachers expressed their gratitude through heartfelt messages and performances. Special guests from the Canadian Embassy, client organizations, and CSR partners joined the event to witness the transformation and celebrate the collective effort.
Just a month prior, TELUS Digital also contributed 135 desktops and laptops to the Department of Education through IBPAP’s Byte the Gap project—another meaningful step toward expanding digital learning in public schools and bridging the technology divide.
“Walking through the newly refreshed classrooms and seeing the joy on students’ faces is a reminder of what community can achieve,” said Anne Muñoz, Country Vice President of TELUS Digital Philippines. “Every brushstroke and every repaired chair adds up to something much bigger: an environment that encourages children to dream, grow, and believe in a brighter future.”
The Journey of Giving Continues
Later this year, TELUS Digital Philippines will take its TDOG efforts to Iloilo, extending its mission of educational support to more students across the country. As the company continues to grow its footprint in the Philippines, it remains deeply committed to investing in the future of Filipino youth—one school, one student, and one act of kindness at a time.
