Gov’t agencies ensure readiness for back-to-school in June

DepEd is simultaneously conducting “Brigada Eskwela” from Monday until Saturday, a nationwide effort to do maintenance works in all public and elementary and secondary schools. (Facebook photo)

MANILA – The Department of Education (DepEd) has teamed up with various agencies to ensure a smooth and orderly resumption of classes on June 13 through “Oplan Balik Eskwela”.

DepEd, together with its partner national government agencies, convened a Command Conference on Monday at the DepEd Central Office in Pasig City to discuss the contributions and progress of each stakeholder with regard to their back-to-school programs.

The inter-agency initiative, led by the DepEd, is composed of the departments of Energy (DOE), Interior and Local Government (DILG), Health (DOH), National Defense (DND), Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Trade and Industry (DTI).

Other stakeholders include the Manila Electric Company (Meralco), Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), Metro Manila and Development Authority (MMDA), Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration (PAGASA), and Philippine National Police (PNP).

In terms of logistics, DPWH is already undertaking repair and maintenance of roads leading to schools, painting of pedestrian lanes and lane markings, as well as providing assistance in the cleaning and repainting of classrooms.

Meanwhile, MMDA will be deploying traffic constables along critical areas leading to schools prone to traffic congestions.

In addition, PNP will strengthen its security operations for the opening of classes. A total of 7,150 PNP personnel will be deployed to 853 schools, 212 personnel in bus terminals, 1104 personnel in Police Assistance Desks, as well as bus marshals in public buses passing major thoroughfares in Metro Manila.

DOE, on the other hand, assured an adequate and stable supply of electricity next month.

As for school supplies, DTI launched its “Gabay sa Pamimili ng School Supplies”, which is found on its official website, to help consumers choose reasonably-priced products well within their means.

All DOH-operated hospitals and regional offices nationwide will be on Code White alert three days before the actual school opening. In case of any untoward incident, emergency response teams are on standby.

Aside from OBE, DepEd is simultaneously conducting “Brigada Eskwela” from Monday until Saturday, a nationwide effort to do maintenance works in all public and elementary and secondary schools.