CEBU, Philippines – In preparation for the opening of classes on Monday, the regional office of the Department of Education has revealed the different command centers where students can report their complaints and concerns.
DepEd-7 officer-in-charge Recaredo G. Borgonia said the command centers could be contacted by calling their hotlines or by text messaging service. Action officers are designated to oversee regional and local concerns similar to command center in the central office.
Education Secretary Jesli Lapus has also encouraged students and parents to raise their concerns about the opening of classes “and we will take action.”
The DepEd command center provides quick response to queries, complaints and requests from the public during the hectic back-to-school week.
Classes in public elementary and secondary levels open on June 1.
“We need to strengthen our information drive so as to assure the public of the department’s policies and programs on school opening,” Lapus said.
One of the major issues being raised every school opening is the collection of fees which DepEd has reiterated is not allowed because public school education in elementary and high school is free.
Lapus said that DepEd will accommodate calls and walk-ins starting May 26 to June 5 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (including Saturdays and Sundays).
“During the Command Center’s run,” he added, “the DepEd Cental Office will not be strict regarding dress codes in order to accommodate more people who may have school opening concerns.”
Although the OBE-Command Center runs only for two weeks, DepEd will continue to address queries and complaints through DepEd’s DETxt facility.
In Region 7, DepEd said complaints and concerns may be reported to the different command centers that are located in Bais City, which is manned by Mr. Mario Andong, 09103564493; Bayawan City, Mrs. Victoria Galgo, 09173000870; Bohol, Mr. Elpidio Jala, 09173061480; Cebu, Dr. Arden Monisit, 09177225816; Cebu City Dr. Lorna Rances, 09285080653; Danao City, Dr. Evangel Luminarias, 09176250026; Dumaguete City, Dr. Profetiza Lim, 09198370680; Lapu-Lapu City, Dr. Carmelita Dulangon, 09176256978; Mandaue City, Mrs. Virginia Zapanta, 09276898470; Negros Oriental, Dr. Milagros Velez, 09206221842 and Siquijor, Mrs. Aleli Abne, 09177153004.
In Tagbilaran City, Mrs. Norma Varquez, 09205004891; Talisay City, Dr. Carmelita Dulangon, 09176256978; Tanjay City, Dr. Profetiza Lim, 09198370680; Toledo City, Dr. Rhea Mar Angtud, 09196958957; Guihulngan City, Mr. Erwin Joseph Lagura, 09086825444; Bogo City, Mr. Bernardo Ysulan, 09086825444; Carcar City, Mr. Woodrow Denuyo, 09285001076 and Naga City, Dr. Caridad Labe, 09209460043. — Johanna T. Natavio/WAB (THE FREEMAN)