The Department of Education implements its Oplan Balik Eskwela program every school year which coincides with the Brigada Eskwela. This annual initiative aims to engage organizations, agencies, and stakeholders before each school year opens. If you are interested in participating or taking part in this program of DepEd, there are a few important things to keep in mind such as how the procedure works and who can participate.
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DepEd continues to find ways to ensure all Filipino learners from private and public schools are enrolled on time while addressing issues, inquiries, and other related concerns regarding the school year opening. The main purpose is to prepare all concerned offices for the upcoming enrollment in all schools nationwide. So, what does the Oplan Balik Eskwela mean and how can you participate in this initiative?
What Is DepEd’s Oplan Balik Eskwela?
The Oplan Balik Eskwela is a yearly program that helps prepare all relevant agencies and organizations for the enrollment period in all private and public schools across the Philippines. This is per the DepEd Order No. 22-2023 approved by the Concurrent Education and Vice President Sara Duterte.
As part of the efforts of DepEd to ensure students are properly enrolled, OBE also engages concerned offices to do their job at the beginning of the school year. Other agencies that participate in the implementation of the program include the Philippine National Police, the Department of Interior and Local Government, and the Department of Health.
Who Can Take Part in this Program
The National Oplan Balik Eskwela of the Department of Education is designed for all public and private schools in the country. Teachers, parents, students, and stakeholders are welcome to take part in this government’s initiative. Some private and government agencies also participate in the OBE to ensure the orderly opening of classes through necessary protocols implemented such as proper health standards, safety practices, and other relevant measures.
Moreover, school personnel are tasked to facilitate students during the enrollment period in order to make sure they are enrolled before the school year starts. It will also coincide with the Brigada Eskwela so parents are encouraged to join the cleaning activity to prepare their children’s classrooms for the opening of classes.
Features and Benefits
When it comes to proper implementation, the OBE has key components including convergence, communication, client assistance, and command conference. Aside from teachers and parents, the program also invites the private sector and government agencies to help ensure systematic procedures and peaceful experiences for enrollees in all schools and universities nationwide.
Here are some of the benefits of the National Oplan Balik Eskwela implemented by the DepEd and other concerned agencies:
- The orderly enrollment process for all students in the Philippines.
- Implementation of health and safety standards in all schools and universities.
- Ensure that the number of enrolled students is higher and that there’s no one left behind.
- Facilitate the enrollment process and opening of classes nationwide.
How to Participate in the Oplan Balik Eskwela of DepEd
An OBE focal person or the school principal will be tasked to record any issues or concerns raised by the student, parent, or other stakeholders. There is a modified Oplan Balik Eskwela Form that will be used for the recording or report in order to streamline the process and expedite any actions to be taken.
Below are the procedures and guidelines on how the focal person fills out the OBE Form:
Step 1: Write down the reference number which indicates the sequence of the issue or concern received from the start of enrollment, when it was received, the client’s name, and the division or region.
Step 2: Tick the correct box in the items that fall under each category. Let’s say the client wants to know the procedure for enrollment, check the appropriate box under “Enrollment Concern”.
Step 3: Write down up to two statements under the “Details of Concern” to describe the issue or concern.
Step 4: Remember that it’s not just reporting the complaint, query, suggestion, or request, but also the compliment or commendation from the client.
Step 5: Under the “Status”, it could be resolved or pending depending on whether the concern has already been acted upon or still requires clarification or follow-up.
The implementation of OBE involves engaging stakeholders to address problems, issues, concerns, and queries in preparation for the opening of classes. Every year, implementation adjustments and amendments in the plan of action are implemented to achieve desired results. The DepEd sets up its Public Assistance Command Center at the Central Office along with counterparts in school divisions and regional offices via their Public Affairs Unit.
OBE will continue to provide accessible information to address concerns and queries from learners and parents regarding enrollment and attendance as well as other relevant information such as DepEd rules, regulations, and policies on the start of classes. The program will focus on an information campaign in order to ensure all concerned parties are well-informed about the upcoming school year.
Full DepEd Memo PDF File
If you want to get the full memo of this program, you can head to the DepEd’s official website and download the latest OBE PDF file by searching for “DepEd Order No. 22-2023”. Or you can download the file here we’ve provided – https://depedph.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Oplan-Balik-Eskwela-campaign-by-DepEd-Memo.pdf
Below is the OBE file for your reference also:
Video: DepEd-10 Kicks Off Oplan Balik Eskwela
In this video, you will get a brief explanation of how the Oplan Balik Eskwela is implemented by DepEd and why this program is helpful to learners, teachers, parents, and other participating agencies before the opening of classes in all schools nationwide. With an effective information campaign, the OBE is expected to facilitate enrollment and other related concerns so more students will enroll every year.
Summary
It’s important to have government-initiated programs like the Oplan Balik Eskwela to keep learners, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders abreast in terms of the enrollment procedures, guidelines, and other relevant information. OBE prepares teaching personnel and students before the opening of classes by addressing concerns, queries, and other issues related to the enrollment process. Participating in this initiative will help private and public schools in the Philippines to provide the best learning practices for the students’ brighter future.