Oplan Balik Eskwela set on June 1 to 11

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May 16, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Education Secretary Sonny Angara has declared the nationwide implementation of Oplan Balik Eskwela from June 1 to 11, to ensure the readiness of public and private schools for the opening of school year 2026-2027 on June 8.

Angara signed yesterday Department of Education (DepEd) Memorandum 030, Series of 2026, which states that the 11-day activity is necessary to prepare schools nationwide, along with relevant agencies, organizations and stakeholders, for the resumption of classes.

“The Oplan Balik Eskwela is part of the department’s efforts to support learners and stakeholders during the opening of the school year by providing timely information and addressing concerns related to enrollment and school operations,” Angara said.

“It aims to ensure a smooth and orderly opening of classes while facilitating the proper enrollment of learners,” he added.

As part of preparations for the new school year, Angara noted that the DepEd will begin implementing the three-term school calendar for SY 2026-2027.

Under the revised academic calendar, the first term will run from June to September, the second from September to December and the third from January to March.

To support the opening of classes, Angara said an inter-agency task force would also be formed to provide guidelines on health and safety, peace and order and transportation concerns.

The task force will include the Departments of Energy, the Interior and Local Government, Health, Public Works and Highways, Social Welfare and Development, Trade and Industry, Transportation, Information and Communications Technology, together with the Manila Electric Co., Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, Philippine National Police, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, National Telecommunications Commission and the Presidential Communications Office.

“The Oplan Balik Eskwela command conference shall be held among DepEd officials, partner agencies from the public and private sectors and other stakeholders to update the public on preparations for the opening of classes and provide information on enrollment and other school matters,” the DepEd chief said.

Subsidies

Private education groups yesterday appealed to the government for the immediate release of pending subsidies and voucher assistance for private schools.

The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on Catholic Education (CBCP-ECCE) noted that although the academic year ended in early April 2026, many private schools, have yet to receive their Educational Service Contracting subsidies and Senior High School Voucher Program assistance.

“The continued delay has placed serious strain on school finances at a time when institutions are already preparing for the next academic year,” the CEAP and CBCP-ECCE said.