by Philippine News Agency | Friday, 10 June 2016
The Senior High School (SHS) Help Desk of the Department of Education (DepEd) is now in full swing to serve as DepEd’s frontline in guiding the public when the SHS program starts its nationwide roll out on Monday.
Education Secretary Armin A. Luistro said the help desk was also an extension of Oplan Balik Eskwela, DepEd’s annual initiative that services the needs of schools, students, and parents who encounter concerns during the opening of classes.
The Senior High School Help Desk started its operations on May 23, 2016 with hotline number 667-1188.
As of June 8, the SHS help desk has received over a thousand cases — 937 calls and 71 emails.
Based on the information generated so far, most of the queries were about the Senior High School Voucher Program – the government’s financial subsidy program for incoming Grade 11 students.
Other inquiries include teacher hiring, textbooks, school permits and fees as well as the process of and requirements for enrollment.
The help desk is a result of a partnership with IBEX Global Solutions, which is sponsoring the IT infrastructure and telephony at no cost to DepEd.
Connected with the Ayala Group Foundation, IBEX Global Solutions has a strong corporate social responsibility program and supports national and community outreach programs.
“This is part of our strong partnership with the private sector which wishes for the successful implementation of the K to 12 program,” Luistro said.
DepEd employees from the Central and Field offices are manning the stations and answering queries from the general public.
Aside from the hotline number, a toll-free number has been provided (1800-1888-6349) and an email account (shshelpdesk@deped.gov.ph) was activated and broadly communicated to the public. (PNA)
