DepEd starts Operation Balik-Eskwela, activates action center

With just a week to go before classes start, the Department of Education has activated its information and action center to field questions and concerns from parents. At least 20 DepEd personnel manned the action center. Issues involving the transfer of students from private to public schools topped the concerns fielded by the action center on the first day of Operation Balik Eskwela, radio dzBB reported Tuesday. Parents or members of the public with questions may contact the action center from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., at telephone number 6361663. They may also send email to action@deped.gov.ph. The action center will be open until June 7, including Saturdays and Sundays, the dzBB report said. An earlier news release on the government's Official Gazette website said Operation Balik Eskwela seeks to ensure the smooth opening of classes in the first week of June (http://www.gov.ph/2013/04/19/deped-prepares-balik-eskwela-for-school-year-2013-2014/). Also, a Public Assistance Station (PAS) program will be held from June 1 to 8, the first week of classes. "The annual OBE and PAS address the problems that usually crop up during school opening and see to it that school children are in their respective classrooms and buckling down to lessons at the first day of the school year," the DepEd said. — DVM, GMA News