The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has begun cleaning schools in Quezon City and Caloocan as part of its commitment with the Department of Education’s (DepEd) “Oplan Balik Eskwela 2021.”
On Monday, MMDA Chairman Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. inspected the Silanganan Elementary School in Barangay Bagong Silang in Caloocan and the Doña Juana Elementary School in Barangay Holy Spirit in Quezon City.
During the inspection, Abalos said the cleanup operation being conducted by the MMDA’s Metro Parkways Clearing Group and the Health, Public Safety, and Environmental Protection Office, was in response to requests for assistance from the schools.
He also said the Traffic Engineering Center conducted anti-dengue misting operations, cleaning, roof gutter declogging, drainage cleaning pruning of trees, planting, and painting of pedestrian markings.
While students remain on distance learning, he noted that teachers and parents still go to school for distribution and submission of modules and thus demand the continued cleaning and anti-dengue efforts in schools.
“We are focusing not just on addressing the pandemic but also on our anti-dengue efforts, through our misting operations especially since we are expecting typhoons these -ber months,” Abalos said.
In addition to misting operations, he said the MMDA will also clean canals that serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
In August, the DepEd announced the conduct of Oplan Balik Eskwela for the School year 2021-2022 from Sept. 6 to 17, 2021.
During the period, the DepEd and partner agencies will work to ensure that learners are “properly enrolled” by addressing problems, questions, and other concerns commonly encountered by the public at the start of every school year.
Source: Philippines News Agency
