THE Department of Education (DepEd) and its regional and division offices nationwide are all set for the opening of classes in June, setting into motion the nationwide Oplan Balik Eskwela (OBE) 2019.

Under the OBE, DepEd activates quick response teams, emergency hotlines and helpdesks to respond to needs and queries pertaining to school opening. Moreover, DepEd has already prepared and disseminated the guidelines and standard procedures in all schools on the conduct the school opening.

The annual OBE aims to address all possible concerns and challenges that may arise from the school opening such as school records, room assignment, classrooms, teachers, power and water supply, traffic, peace and order, weather condition and prices of school supplies, among others.

DepEd takes the lead in enlisting the support and teamwork among school opening key stakeholders by convening an inter-agency task force way ahead of the school opening.

Regional government agencies showed collective force for Oplan Balik Eskwela in a press conference organized by the DepEd Central Luzon Thursday, May 23.

The Philippine National Police announced their Ligtas Balik Eskwela.

Their security operations will include public assistance desk, increased police visibility and aide in traffic.

While the assessment of earthquake-affected school buildings was reported by the Department of Public Works and Highways, continuous rapid assessment is enforced.

DILG, PIA and Tesda were also present and reported active participation for Oplan Balik Eskwela.

In relation to this agenda, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Central Luzon, through Tomasa Lirio, Regional Program Coordinator of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino, announced the Bata Balik Eskwela Campaign.

According to Lirio, the objective of this campaign is to initiate collective efforts in encouraging school-aged children to attend school.

Municipal links of the agency conduct house visitation to initiate a purposive dialogue with the children and their parents/guardians.

Out of the 464,771 children being monitored by DSWD region III, 62,798 are not attending school. The home visits are done in collaboration with DepEd educators.