The Department of Education on Tuesday opened the Oplan Balik-Eskwela Command Center at the DepEd central office in Pasig.

The DepEd Command Center provides quick response to queries, complaints and requests from the public during the back-to-school week, the agency announced Tuesday in a statement.

"Bring all your concerns about the opening of classes and we will take action," Lapus was quoted as saying.

"We need to strengthen our information drive so as to assure the public of the department's policies and programs on school opening," he said.

He said that DepEd will accommodate calls and walk-ins from May 26 to June 5 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., including Saturdays and Sundays.

"During the Command Center's run, the DepEd Cental Office will not be strict regarding dress codes in order to accommodate more people who may have school opening concerns," Lapus said.

Lapus also directed DepEd regional directors and schools division superintendents to designate two action officers to oversee regional and local concerns similar to Command Center in the central office.

One of the major issues being raised every school opening is the collection of fees which DepEd has reiterated is not allowed. Public school education in elementary and high school is free.

Although the OBE-Command Center runs only for two weeks, DepEd will continue to address queries and complaints through DepEd's DETxt facility.

Lapus encourages the public to contact the Command Center's Hotlines: Landline: 636-1663 (also permanent hotline for DETxt), 638-7529 to 31, 635-9817, 634-0222, 636-3602, 636-4880, 636-6550, 633-1942, 636-6556; Fax: 638-8641; Text Messaging Service: 0919-456-0027 and E-mail address: action@deped.gov.ph.