Everything is set for the opening of classes on Monday (June 4).
The Department of Education (Deped) had set up the “Oplan Balik Eskwela” information center in all schools to assist parents and students on their queries and concerns.
Eight other government agencies form part of the Oplan Balik Eskwela Inter-Agency Task Force that have been activated last May 28 to ensure a smooth opening of classes.
Agencies that are included in the task force are the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Philippine National Police (PNP), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
For DOH, it is conducting dissemination of child safety tips and measures to avoid diseases occurring and commonly transmitted in schools, including tips on food safety.
The DILG, meanwhile, is helping in the monitoring of school supplies, ensure security, and manage traffic at the local level.
The DPWH is fasttracking the construction of school buildings while the DTI have conducted a Diskwento Caravan for discounted school supplies.
For its part, the DOTC will monitor the implementation of 20 percent fare discounts in jeeps and buses for students.
The PNP will ensure police presence around elementary and secondary schools and establish public assistance desks in campuses while the MMDA will deploy traffic discipline personnel in school areas.
Meanwhile, PAGASA will provide the Deped with regular weather forecast.
The automatic cancellation of classes during typhoons will still be based on the storm signal sent out by the PAGASA but the Deped will no longer be announcing class suspension.
Under Executive Order No. 66 signed by President Benigno S. Aquino III last January 9, the responsibility now lies with the local government officials as they are in a better position to assess the local situation. (PNA)
