DepEd to launch 2017 Oplan Balik Eskwela

On May 29, the Department of Education has set the start of the 2017 Oplan Balik Skwela pursuant to DepEd Order No. 25, s. 2017 and DepEd Memorandum No. 55, s. 2017.

Students of school age are encouraged to enroll including the drop outs, out-of-school youth (OSYs), balik-aral and many more. This effort aims to locate, identify and enroll OSYs who are in difficult circumstances. Also, learners with certain exceptionalities, which require unique learning interventions, are also one of the targets of this confirmation of enrollment initiatives. In addition, it seeks to understand the barriers to access education, and identify local solutions or interventions to bring them to school and ensure that learners do not drop out.

Meanwhile, school personnel including the teachers and administrators are expected to conduct various activities such as house-to-house campaign, and meetings with local and barangay officials and civic organizations to help locate children who should be in school. Also, students who are currently enrolled in any public school is automatically counted and enrolled for the next year level of the succeeding school year, thus, giving each student a guaranteed slot.

For Joseph, an incoming junior high school student of Talomo National High School (TNHS), enrollment signifies the jump-start call in preparing for the incoming school year. “It is a sign for him to study hard for his future”. He said. On the other hand, Niñalyn, a mother of two students, says that enrollment helps her children to better prepare and work out their dreams in life through education.

Ms. Celerinos, a teacher of TNHS emphasized the importance of Oplan Balik Eskwela. She explained that during the process of enrollment, personality of the upcoming students will be initially assessed based on their presented credentials, records and other documents. Hence, this will help her and other teachers to prepare for a more strategic teaching interventions and necessary solutions for the needs of the learners.

The 2017 Oplan Balik Eskwela will go on until June 16. Prior to this event, the DepEd had conducted early registration in all public elementary and secondary schools nationwide since January. This effort primarily aims to better prepare for and be able to address the possible issues and concerns of DepED. (Mark Anthony D. David | Talomo National High School)