DepEd, PNP get ready for ‘Oplan Balik-Eskwela 2016’ in June

The Department of Education (DepEd), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other government agencies are preparing for the annual "Oplan Balik-Eskwela" (OBE) program for the smooth opening of classes in June.

The OBE activates quick response teams, helpdesks, and emergency hotlines to address problems related to school opening.

On "News To Go" on Tuesday, PNP Spokesperson Wilben Mayor said the police are readying are operational procedures for the start of the classes.

“Ang ating mga police ay maglalagay ng police assistance desk o nagpapatrol sa mga eskuwelahan,” Mayor said.

He said they will deploy police units around schools to monitor the security in the premises.

“Sa part ng PNP, nakasecure naman kami sa premises, ang importante lang siguro is ‘yung identification ng mga estudyante. At masiguro na ‘yung mga sumusundo at pumapasok ng school ay kilala ng mga school authorities,” Mayor said.

The spokesperson also reminded school bus drivers to take utmost care since their passengers will mostly be children.  

“Magingat po tayo sa daan. Lalong-lalo na sa panahon na ‘to na parating ang tag-ulan, madulas ang kalsada,” Mayor said. 

Meanwhile, in a news release posted on the Office of the President website, the DepEd said it has already disseminated the guidelines and standard procedures in all schools for the opening of classes on June 13.

The OBE aims to address concerns on school records, room assignment, power and water supply, traffic, peace and order, weather, and prices of school supplies, among others.

This year, DepEd together with IBEX Global Solutions, a call center, set up a Senior High School (SHS) Help Desk with hotline number 667-1188.

The help desk will be operational from May 23 to June 30 this year and will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays. — Kiersnerr Gerwin Tacadena/VVP, GMA News