DepEd activates hotline for school opening concerns, complaints

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday activated its Action Center to receive complaints and concerns in relation to the first day of classes for School Year 2018 to 2019.

In a report on Unang Balita, GMA News' Bam Alegre said the command center consists of DepEd personnel answering calls from the hotline numbers 0919-4560027, 638-7529, 638-7530, 638-7531, and 635-9817.

Several employees also have laptops on the ready to read emailed concerns through action@deped.gov.ph.

"Inaalam po namin sa kanila kung ano 'yung problema nila, and then nire-record po namin para po ma-address 'yung mga pangangailangan nila," a staff member said.

"Minsan, binibigay po namin 'yung telephone number ng concerned offices para mabigyan sila ng assistance. Or else, minsan ang problema sa division office, or sa school, tinatawagan po namin."

DepEd Undersecretary Jesus Mateo said they are also preparing for possible class suspensions with the onset of the rainy season.

"Pero nakahanda tayo diyan kasi meron namang tayong mga make-up classes na isasagawa kung saka-sakali mang mangyari 'yun," he said.

Malacañang, for its part, said the opening of classes nationwide "has been so far smooth."

"The Department of Education, together with its partners, through Brigada Eskwela have prepared the schools, making sure they are safe, clean and ready to receive our students," presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said.

"Public assistance and information centers have been activated in the central office, regional and division office and schools to respond to issues and challenges in today’s school opening."

Roque also said the Philippine National Police "has ensured a zero-crime incident outside the vicinity of schools."

Mateo said most schools were prepared for the first day of School Year 2018 to 2019 due to the Brigada Eskwela program.

"Handang-handa 'yung ating mga paaralan, bagamat may mga ibang eskwelahan na hindi ganun kahanda kasi nga 'yung dagsaan ng mga bata," he said.

"Dun sa last day ng Brigada Eskwela, may tinatawag na dry run, kung saan yung mga mag-aaral, tinuturo, inoorient na, ito home room mo, para sa ganun, walang hanapan."

The DepEd Action Center is also monitoring the department's social media accounts for queries from concerned students and parents. —Rie Takumi and Virgil Lopez/KBK/RSJ, GMA News