EXPECTING bulks of complaints and queries on matters concerning school opening, the Department of Education (DepEd) opens the Oplan Balik Eskwela (OBE) Information and Action Center Monday.
Education Secretary Mona Valisno will lead the opening ceremony of the OBE center at the Bulwagan ng Karunungan at the DepEd Central Office in Meralco Avenue in Pasig City.
"The action center will cater to the needs of the public as regular enrolment begins today," said Valisno, adding that everyone is free to visit or call the agency to air any concern related to enrolment and the opening of classes.
DepEd has institutionalized the annual OBE as part of the government's effort to bring all children to school.
The center will be manned by DepEd personnel and is open from 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Inquiries, requests and complaints may be brought in, called in, emailed or texted to the OBE center.
"OBE is replicated in our regional and division offices for easy access," she noted.
"Representatives from our partners in the Philippine National Police and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority will also be at hand for prompt assistance to the public," she added.
According to Valisno, several employees will be assigned at the walk-in desk, call center, and quick response unit to serve the public.
Reporters may also visit to get the latest update on the preparations for school opening. Others will be tasked to monitor the news for any complaints or requests coursed through media.
The OBE action center may be reached through telephone numbers (02) 636-1663, (02) 638-7529 to 31. For the Internet savvy, they can email their queries to action@deped.gov.ph or for those on the move to text 0919-456-0027.
Last year, numerous complaints, ranging from the violation of the "no collection and no uniform" policy to the problem of transferees, were brought to the attention of the command center.
In 2007, DepEd received a total of 771 cases, 398 in 2008, and 775 in 2009.
Meanwhile, Valisno also directed school officials to campaign for and accommodate all children of school age to accommodate the estimated 10 million children who were never enrolled for years.
"Every Filipino child must be assured of the opportunity to get high quality education that will make him a whole person, a responsible citizen, and lead him or her to a successful entrepreneurial venture," she stressed.
The department said they expect 23.43 million students to troop to public and private elementary and secondary schools nationwide when classes will open next week. The number represents an increase from last year's 22.39 million.
The shortage of classrooms, she said, should not a cause to deter parents from enrolling their children, citing that 3,613 new classrooms will be ready for the school opening and another 6,000 are to be completed before the year ends.
"With your support we can very well go beyond the estimated 23.4 million school children and move towards reaching 100 percent participation," she noted.(AH/Sunnex)