Government, private sectors get ready for opening of classes

Students and parents aren’t the only ones making last-minute preparations for the opening of classes next Monday.

In a second command conference at the Department of Education head office in Pasig, DepEd officials led by Secretary Florencio Abad met with representatives from the government and private sector to discuss the possible problems that may crop up when classes resume on June 6.

Undersecretary for Regional Operations Ramon Bacani said representatives of national government agencies, local governments in Metro Manila, and utility companies such as Meralco reported on their contributions to DepEd’s Oplan Balik Eskwela.

"Commitments made during our last meeting have been reaffirmed. Prices of school supplies are stable, and operations are being undertaken by the Philippine National Police (PNP) for the safety of our students," he said.

Local governments in Metro Manila, Bacani said, have also extended their support for the construction of additional school buildings and the procurement of instructional materials and school supplies.

Also discussed were the guidelines for the suspension of classes and other special measures to be adopted during the rainy season.

"In Navotas, the local government has taken measures to minimize flooding even during high tide," he said.

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is also finishing its preparations for the opening of classes with its own Oplan Balik Paaralan, Secretary Leandro Mendoza said.

Balik Paaralan, which will run from June 6 to June 20, is an annual project of the DOTC Action Center in coordination with other government agencies such as the PNP and civic action groups.

Under the project, the PNP will help the DOTC ensure the smooth flow of traffic and the safety of commuters, especially students, when classes open on Monday.

Transport facilities will be secured and help desks will be set up near the entrances of schools and universities.

The DOTC will also deploy mobile teams in strategic areas in Metro Manila areas such as Mendiola, Legarda, Morayta, and Sta. Cruz.

The teams will be equipped with first-aid kits, radio transceivers and mobile phones in case of emergencies.

The DOTC Action Center is headed by Ferdinand Lagman.

Other agencies that will take part in Oplan Balik Paaralan include the Land Transportation Office; Land Transportation, Franchising and Regulatory Board; Office of Transportation Cooperatives; Air Transportation Office; Manila International Airport Authority; Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority; Philippine Aeronautics Development Corp.; Philippine National Railways; Light Rail Transit Authority; Metro Rail Transit Authority; Philippine Coast Guard; Philippine Ports Authority; Maritime Industry Authority; Cebu Ports Authority; and the National Telecommunications Commission.