DepEd-Bicol reactivates help centers in time for F2F classes

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI City --- The Department of Education-Bicol (DepEd-5) announced on Monday the reactivation of Oplan Balik Eskwela – Public Assistance and Command Center (OBE-PACC) in preparation for the mandatory five-day in-person classes in public schools.

In a statement, DepEd-5 Regional Director Gilbert Sadsad ordered the reactivation of the OBE-PACC from Nov. 1-30 to respond to all queries, complaints, and other concerns encountered by the public during the full implementation of the face-to-face (F2F) classes.

“The OBE-PACC help desks shall serve as an information and complaints processing and routing mechanism. Its primary function is to respond to simple queries and information requests and to assist in the dissemination and clarification of DepEd policies, programs, projects, and processes, particularly those relevant to the full implementation of the face-to-face classes, particularly DO 34, s. 2022 and DO 44, s. 2022," Sadsad said.

He said school division offices (SDOs) including schools were also advised to set up their respective OBE help desk to assist the learners, parents and other education partners during the transition of schools to full in-person classes.

In Bicol, 3,883 out of the 4,445 schools will participate in the implementation of the five-day in-person classes starting Wednesday (Nov. 2, 2022) based on the submitted report of SDOs.

Sadsad also directed all SDOs to prepare their respective implementation plans for all the activities leading to the adoption of the full in-person classes.

"All schools division superintendents must submit a weekly implementation plan that will cover the division and school preparation for the adoption of the five-day in-person classes, particularly on the following components: physical facilities, orientation conducted to teachers, parents and education stakeholders, curriculum implementation and resources," he said.

Sadsad also requested SDOs to submit updated data on the status of the schools, preparation, and readiness for the return to full in-person classes.

"The submission of the regional implementation plan is also aimed at helping schools to efficiently implement the activities in preparation for the adoption of the five-day in-person classes on Nov. 2," he said. (PNA)