During the opening of classes every year, the Department of Education conducts the Oplan Balik Eskwela to prepare all the schools as well as the community in the entire country for the scheduled opening of school year. This is an annual campaign in coordination with other agencies, civil society organizations and other stakeholders to ensure the readiness and safety of the school environment to be conducive both for learners and teachers.
The Philippine National Police is one of the primary agencies that regularly provides assistance to DepEd in the implementation of the said Oplan to address school concerns particularly in the crime prevention and in maintaining public safety and security to all the students, teachers, parents and school personnel, and the community at large. Relatively, in 2018, the Nation’s Peacekeeper through the Directorate for Police Community Relations formulated the PNP OPLAN “Bisit Eskwela- I am S.T.Ro.N.G.” (BES) to purposely synchronize the efforts of all Chiefs of PNP Offices and Units as well as the individual PNP personnel in generating stronger community partnerships. It also aims to guide and aid students to be Smart, Talented, Responsible, Nice, and God-fearing (STRONG) individuals.
On May 30, 2024, the Community Assistance and Development Division (CADD) of Police Community Affairs and Development Group (PCADG) led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Veronica P. Peñalosa, Officer-in-Charge, CADD, in collaboration with the Taguig City Police Station, spearheaded a School-Based Community Information and Awareness Drive at Asian Christian Theological School and Colleges in Taguig City. Said personnel discussed a variety of timely and relevant topics such as Safe Spaces Act, Crime Prevention, Anti-Illegal Drugs, and Anti-Terrorism.
Said collaboration between PCADG and the Taguig City Police Station was successfully conducted with over 100 students from Asian Christian Theological School and Colleges actively engaged in the discussions and lectures. The PNP Personnel also distributed various Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Materials to the students for further understanding and positive information support.
Through this kind of activity, PNP wants to help and support the younger generation by instilling them the needed awareness and sense of responsibility for their well-being and safety and also, by empowering them with valuable knowledge and values vital in making wise and appropriate decisions for their everyday lives. Oplan BES also demonstrates the PNP’s deep commitment towards guiding the Filipino young people to become patriotic, God-fearing and responsible citizens, who are ready and able to perform their utmost potentials for God, country and motherland.
