To assist parents, students and the general public on matters concerning school opening on June 15, the Department of Education (DepEd) Monday launched the Oplan Balik Eskwela (OBE) Information and Action Center.

Education Secretary Mona Valisno said the OBE action center will cater to the needs of the public especially during the regular enrollment week. Located at the Bulwagan ng Karunungan, DepEd Central Office on Meralco Avenue, Pasig City, the OBE center will be open from June 7 to June 18, 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., to record complaints and answer the queries of parents and students who are having enrollment problems.

“The center will be manned by DepEd personnel. The inquiries, requests and complaints may be brought in, called in, e-mailed or texted to the OBE center,” said Valisno.

The DepEd has institutionalized the annual OBE as part of the government’s effort to bring all children to school. “We aim to eliminate all obstacles that will otherwise discourage parents to enroll their children and keep them in school, thus our rallying cry is “Tara na! Balik Eskwela Na!,” explained Valisno.

Valisno also added that the OBE is being replicated in regional and division offices for easy access.

Aside from DepEd personnel, the action center will also be manned by representatives from the Philippine National Police and Metro Manila Development Authority. “They will also be on hand for prompt assistance to the public,” Valisno stressed.

For the OBE action center, several employees will be assigned at the walk-in desk, call center, and quick response unit to serve the public. “Everyone is free to visit or call us to air any concern related to enrollment and the opening of classes,” she said.

According to Senior Education Program Specialist Nancy Pascual who sit at the call center, the most common problems that are being brought to their attention are collection of fees, clarification on “no school uniform” policy, incomplete documents upon enrollment, and other concerns of students who will transfer from one school to another. “We are addressing the concern promptly by calling the officials of the school involved,” she said.

The OBE action center may be reached through telephone numbers (02) 636-1663, (02) 638-7529 to 31and 0919-456-0027. Queries can also be emailed to action@deped.gov.ph. Those within Metro Manila may drop by at the DepEd Complex in Pasig City or visit the nearest DepEd division
or regional office.

Meanwhile, a total of 45,000 students in Mandaluyong City were given free school supplies by the local government in coordination with the DepEd, as part of the "Balik Eskwela" program of the city government for school year 2010-2011.

Each student enrolled in the 21 public elementary and high schools in the city received a school bag complete with notebooks and basic writing equipment.

In a turn-over ceremony Monday at the Mandaluyong City Hall Executive Building, Mayor Benhur Abalos handed out 11 bags to five students from Doña Gonzaga Elementary School and six students from Bonifacio Javier National High School.

"We want every student in our public schools to have a good start in their first day of classes. We believe that every student has the right to education so let this be an inspiration to them," Abalos said. (with a report by Carlo Suerte Felipe)