DepEd boosts measures to fight violence against children

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Education (DepEd) is now working on the formulation of a comprehensive child protection policy, as it seeks to intensify efforts at shielding school children against abuse, exploitation and discrimination, especially bullying.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro said that the move was being pursued to further strengthen safeguards to prevent incidence of violence against children.

DepEd as early as 2006 issued DepEd Memo 297 – Prohibiting Acts Constituting Violations of RA 7610 – or the “Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act” and the Family Code to set a limit on the substitute parental authority being exercised by some DepEd authorities.

The order specified that substitute parental authority can only be exercised within the school premises and it shall be exercised only to protect and promote the physical, mental and moral well-being of students.

To further strengthen the campaign against child abuse in schools, DepEd is developing a more comprehensive policy in consultation with teachers and other stakeholders.

“This is a serious matter that we cannot put off nor delay because it involves the over-all well being of our learners which, when not addressed promptly, may negatively affect them for life,” said Luistro.

The proposed policy will cover measures to prevent abuses against children in the school and the processes to be observed when abuses are committed. It will also include the procedures to follow and possible referral to other concerned agencies.

Meanwhile, DepEd expressed its support to the anti-bullying bill of Sen. Antonio Trillanes which seeks to institutionalize its teaching in schools and the creation of public awareness on its ill-effects on child development.

DepEd said the move was consistent with the mandate of DepEd which puts premium on child safety in schools while providing an environment conducive to learning.