LEGAZPI CITY — With the implementation of face-to-face classes in public schools kicking off on 2 November, the Department of Education in Bicol has reactivated the Oplan Balik Eskwela — Public Assistance and Command Center.

DepEd-5 regional director Gilbert Sadsad said that he ordered the reactivation of the OBE-PACC from 1 to 30 November to respond to all queries, complaints, and other concerns encountered by the public during the full implementation of in-person 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 added that school division offices — 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 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," Sadsad said.

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