The Department of Education in the Cordillera Administrative Region (DepEd-CAR) has set up assistance centers to address issues of learners and parents ahead of the opening of classes on June 16.

In an interview on Wednesday, Cyrille Gaye Miranda, DepEd Regional Public Affairs Unit head, said the setting up of Public Assistance Command Centers (PACCs) “aims to address the common concerns faced by learners, parents and teachers specifically issues on enrollment like collection of enrollment fees, ‘Brigada Eskwela’ fees, unable to enroll due to lack of slots, school record issues and other assistance and queries about the needs of learners for school opening.”

She added that PACCs are launched annually from the national office down to schools to coordinate efforts across various levels of the education system before the opening of classes.

The centers also serve as hotlines to provide real-time information, respond to public inquiries, and resolve issues or concerns related to school opening.

These also give central offices to have an immediate grasp of the situations on the ground, allowing heads to immediately make solutions, suggestions and recommendations on how to address concerns, situations for faster actions.

“PACCs enhance DepEd’s transparency, accountability, and responsiveness during the critical school opening period,” Miranda said.

Part of the “Oplan Balik Eskwela,” the establishment of PACCs is a flagship initiative of the DepEd that is designed to ensure a smooth and organized start to the school year.

“In essence, the establishment of PACCs operationalizes the objectives of Oplan Balik Eskwela by ensuring that all stakeholders have access to timely assistance and support, contributing to a more efficient and effective school opening process,” Miranda said. (PNA)