Briefer on DepEd’s Oplan Balik Eskwela

Briefer on DepEd’s Oplan Balik Eskwela

What is Oplan Balik Eskwela? 
Oplan Balik Eskwela (OBE) is an annual campaign initiated by the Department of Education (DepEd), in coordination with other agencies, communities, and interest groups, and held to prepare for the opening of the school year. It aims to ensure that students are properly enrolled and able to attend school during the opening of classes.

OPLAN BALIK ESKWELA 2019 MEMO - DOWNLOAD

It seeks to address common problems encountered during school openings. It was first launched in 2005.

What are the efforts undertaken during Oplan Balik Eskwela?
OBE addresses various school opening concerns, e.g.,

• Traffic
• Safety and security
• Price monitoring of school supplies
• Medical and emergency services
• Preparation of school buildings and roads
• Public transportation
• Supply of utilities in schools
• Weather outlook
• Local Government Unit coordination and support

It is carried out through convergence with other agencies, communities and other interest groups;information dissemination through a media campaign, public service announcements from the DepEd, and Information and action centers established in the DepEd Central, Regional, and Division offices.

Who are involved in Oplan Balik Eskwela? 
The following agencies are key in the organization of the multi-sectoral task force for school opening:

• DepEd – Lead agency
• DPWH – completion of classrooms being constructed; clearing of road obstruction
• DTI – price stability of school supplies
• DOTr – public transportation
• DOH – dissemination of health guidelines
• DILG – involvement of local government and barangays in school opening preparations
• PNP – crime prevention
• PAGASA – weather updates
• MMDA – traffic management in Metro Manila
• MWSS – no water interruption
• Manila Water – no water interruption
• MERALCO – no power interruption; assistance in rewiring public schools
• DND - Department of National Defense
• DSWD - Department of Social welfare and Development

What is the expected impact of Oplan Balik Eskwela?
The main objective of the campaign is the smooth opening of classes. The following has been realized since OBE was first launched: Among others, the Improvement of traffic flow; quick response to school-opening queries from parents and school authorities; the minimization of confusion during enrollment; the prompt readying of classrooms and school facilities; regulation of school-supply prices; and a decrease of criminal incidences around the vicinity of schools.

For information and questions on enrollment and opening of classes, you may access/ call the following:

MAIN HOTLINE:
(+632) 636-1663
OTHER HOTLINE NUMBERS:
633-1942 - 634-0222 - 636-4880

635-0552 - 637-4211 - 635-6550

638-7529 - 635-9817 - 638-7530 

637-3743

DepEd text messaging service
0919-4560027
Email Address:
action@deped.gov.ph

Source: Official Gazette of the Philippines