By: Edison P. Sambili
With the commencement of School Year 2023-2024, the Department of Education (DepEd) Regional Office III has taken proactive steps to ensure a seamless transition into the new academic year. In pursuit of this goal, the Regional Office conducted the Oplan Balik Eskwela Inter-Agency Convergence and Media Conference on August 23, 2023, at the Aquino Hall, DepEd Regional Office III.
The Oplan Balik Eskwela (OBE) undertaking by DepEd is designed to address the various concerns and challenges that arise during the back-to-school period. This year’s media conference brought together key stakeholders; education officials media representatives, and inter-agency partners to collaborate and coordinate efforts for a successful start of the academic year on August 29, 2023.
Arlene Dela Rea, Division Information Officer, and Ricardo Ednave, OIC Chief of the Schools Governance and Operations Division of SDO Olongapo City, showed support to the said event. They were joined by the Assistant Regional Director, Schools Division Superintendents and Assistant Schools Division Superintendents from across Central Luzon, as well as Regional Functional Division Chiefs, Division Information Officers from twenty Schools Division Offices, and staff from the Public Affairs Unit.
One of the key objectives of the conference was to facilitate effective communication between education officials and local media partners. To achieve this, all Schools Division Offices, through their Division Information Officers, were tasked with gathering pertinent information relative to the opening of classes in their respective areas. Pieces of information were readily made available to provide accurate responses to inquiries from local media during the press conference segment of the event.
The Oplan Balik Eskwela Conference also featured messages of support and encouragement from distinguished figures representing various government agencies. Atty. Anthony C. Nuyda of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, RD Antonio Edward E. Padre of the Department of Information and Communications Technology, Engr. Roseller A. Tolentino of the Department of Public Works and Highways, Dr. Corazon I. Flores of the Department of Health Central Luzon, and RD William L. Beltran of the Philippine Information Agency, all shared their insights and affirmed their commitment to a successful school opening.
The collaborative spirit displayed during the conference reflects a shared dedication to ensuring a smooth and productive start to the upcoming academic year. By fostering open communication, inter-agency cooperation, and media involvement, the Oplan Balik Eskwela Conference sets the stage for a positive and impactful School Year 2023-2024 for students, educators, and communities across the region.
