City officials recently urged all public and private schools in the city to annually review and revisit the implementation of the Department of Education Order No. 40, series of 2012 or the department’s child protection policy.
Under Resolution No. 633, series of 2024, city legislators stated that it is important to annually review and revisit the order to continuously bring it to the attention of the schools, teachers, and all personnel for its effective and consistent implementation.
During the Scout Officials for A Day (SOFAD) session held on October 21, 2024, the SOFAD Council adopted the proposal of SOFAD Councilor Dhion Ansley I. Ocampo that urged primary and secondary public and private schools in the city to annually review and revisit Department of Education No. 40, series of 2012 or the department’s child protection policy.
The council claimed that children are one of the more vulnerable members of society and prone to many forms of abuse which may happen anywhere, including schools.
Further, it added that the children deserve an environment that fosters growth, encourages exploration, and more importantly provides a haven while away from their homes.
The body stipulated that in the school, violence and abuse may happen to students, thus, it is important to take action to safeguard the children’s safety.
Earlier, Department of Education No. 40, series of 2012 was issued to protect children from all forms of abuse, violence, and exploitation by pursuing a safe and nurturing environment for all students.
Moreover, this order provides a robust framework that contains preventive, protective and remedial measures to address all forms of child abuse, violence, bullying, discrimination, exploitation, and other similar acts as well as outline the duties of all stakeholders.
Copies of the approved resolution will be transmitted to all public and private schools in the city for information, guidance, ready reference and further needed action. Baguio City Public Information Office
