City DepEd execs support creation of children’s code

Officials of the Department of Education Cebu City office have expressed support to the proposed city ordinance creating the Cebu City Children’s Code of 2007.

The different public schools district superintendents submitted their comments to the City Council recently to show that they are in favor of the proposed measure.

The City Council recently sought the comments of the public schools officials on the draft children’s code authored by Sangguniang Kabataan Federation chairperson Glena Bontuyan who sits as ex-officio member of the Council.

Bontuyan said that the proposed ordinance, if approved, would empower the children by letting their voices heard and promoting children’s participation in the matters concerning their welfare. Likewise, she said that it will “realize the vision of the Filipino child as healthy, happy, curious, confident, cooperative, and able to develop his full potential and faculties.”

Further, she explained that the proposed Cebu City Children’s Code of 2007 is the result of consultations with various children’s groups where they expressed their views and opinions affecting them.

Under the code, the roles of the different sectors of society like the city government, schools, business sector, and the mass media are outlined.

It is also suggested that the educational institutions incorporate into their curriculum a subject on the rights and responsibilities of children.

Central District public schools district supervisor Rhoda Labella said that while she supports the proposed measure, the city government has to exercise political will in tracking down parents who are neglecting their children. She added that stiff penalty should be imposed on parents who do not send their children to school.

She also suggested that the city government coordinate with the DepEd to establish a school for gifted children with a special curriculum “so that we can really develop the special talents of these gifted children.”

Jo Ann Serafin, another public schools district supervisor, said that while the proposed ordinance is laudable, there are some loopholes that need to be ironed out. Specifically, she said that the proposal to incorporate into their curriculum a subject on the rights and responsibilities of children will disrupt the system that affects the scheduling. This will entail a lot of logistics in the form of money, training, and more teachers, she added.

For his part, Zapatera District public schools district supervisor Faviolito Alberca said that while it is good to empower the children to promote their welfare and protection, “it is always much better that we place them under the protection of their parents and elders in the community in order to have true and lasting peace and harmony.” — Wenna A. Berondo/MEEV