CITY OF SAN FERNANDO Anchored on the theme “Kapit Bisig para sa Mas Ligtas na Balik Aral, ” the Department of Education Regional Office III (DepEd-3) on Monday launched "Oplan Balik Eskwela" or OBE in preparation of the start of in-person classes in public schools across Central Luzon on August 22, 2022.

According to DepEd-3 Director May Eclar, OBE, which is an annual initiative to engage agencies, organizations and other stakeholders, highlights the convergence of partners to ensure that education will be delivered effectively and efficiently.

"It prioritizes the minimum health and safety protocols as the shift from blended learning to five-day in-person class takes place this school year," she said.

“For this year’s OBE, we shall focus on addressing the problems and other concerns encountered by the public during the opening of classes by providing assistance and information, monitoring the smooth and orderly opening of classes and ensuring that the school-age children are properly enrolled in schools, and strengthening the partnership between and among government agencies and the private sector in providing public service,” Eclar added..

DepEd-3 has an OBE-Public Assistance Command Center (OBE-PACC) from August 15 to 26 to provide immediate virtual assistance to enrollees and their parents by answering their queries during the enrollment period.

“Traditionally, this set-up starts one week before the school opening and ends a week after,” Eclar furthered.

OBE-PACC may be reached thru hotline numbers (045) 598-8580 to 89; and email addresses region3@deped.gov.ph, pau.ro3@deped.gov.ph, and pac.ro3@deped.gov.ph.

Queries can also be directly messaged at the agency’s official Facebook page- DepEd Regional Office III or through text messaging at 09760390706.