Oplan Balik Eskwela (OBE) 2019- Another school year awaits the Department of Education (DepEd) and its stakeholders. After the week-long Brigada Eskwela last May 20-24, the government is currently gearing for the opening of classes next Monday, June 3, 2019.
The OBE or Oplan Balik Eskwela is an annual activity following the Brigada Eskwela, organized by DepEd to fully prepare and serve the students, teachers, and communities involved in the new academic year. This program has been around for many years since our country has been into equipping education to everyone. Each year, DepEd faces challenges in strengthening the academe sector through the efforts of the citizens and other government units such as the Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Dpartment of Health (DOH), and other attached agencies.
OBE Concept
As Sec. Briones implied, “Ang konsepto natin dito ay ang edukasyon ay hindi lamang responsibilidad ng Department of Education. Lahat ng ating government agencies, including the private sector, ay nagtutulungan para sa paghahanda sa pagbabalik-eskwela ng ating mga bata.”
The DepEd’s partnership with other units brought up the IATF or Inter-Agency Task Force. The group consists of the DOE, DOH, DND, DILG, DPWH, DSWD, DTI, DOTr, PAGASA, and PNP among others. The involvement of several regional and local offices is also visible.
The DepEd is getting quicker in addressing the overall preparation–from facilities to faculties, stakeholders to communities. With the focus on disaster and risk preparedness, we expect our schools this year to be the channels of support and help amidst our environmental crises.
Contributions by Gov’t Units
Meanwhile, the PNP launched their Ligtas Balik Eskwela program in conjunction with this year’s OBE. Approximately 156,000 personnel were distributed and assigned to the public and private schools around the country. Their aim is to prevent and suppress criminal and terrorist incidents that can harm the general public including the students and teachers.
The DSWD was also keen on having the on-time payouts of their 4Ps program subsidy to the beneficiaries. On the other hand, the DTI’s Diskwento Caravan series was launched through their Consumer Protection and Advocacy Bureau. For the ongoing purchase and price monitoring of school supplies, they also published sets of Gabay sa Presyo ng School Supplies.
DPWH continues to support the maintenance of facilities and infrastructures of schools, repainting of pedestrian markings, and declogging of drainages. PAGASA continues to bring timely weather updates and conducts safety reminders and protocols for warning services.
Visit your regional or division DepEd offices for assistance and support. The program is made possible in pursuant to DepEd Memorandum No. 29, s. 2019.
Are the schools in your barangay or town ready for the opening of classes on June 3? Comment or share your experiences and contribute to lifelong learning for everyone!
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