by Merlina Hernando-Malipot, Manila Bulletin, 21 Sep 2020
Recognizing the risks and dangers children face as the education system shifts into distance learning, the Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday announced that a supplemental policy will be issued to strengthen its Child Protection Policy (CPP).
During the virtual “Handang Isip, Handa Bukas” press briefing, DepEd Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Josephine Maribojoc outlined the initiatives of the department to ensure the protection of children against all forms of abuses in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Every child, no matter how young or small, is not half a person, but a whole person with dignity and rights,” Maribojoc said. “The child is at the center of all that we do in DepEd,” she added.
As cited in the CPP or the DepEd Order No. 40, Series of 2012, Maribojoc reiterated DepEd’s “zero tolerance policy against all forms of violence and abuse upon learners.”
However, with the implementation of the Basic Education-Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP) as a response to the disruption in education due to the COVID-19 crisis, Maribojoc said that there is a need to revisit the CPP and issue supplementary guidelines.
Since there will be various delivery modalities to be used this school year, Maribojoc said that children might be exposed to various risks even as they are learning at home. For instance, she noted that some children might be subjected to “corporal punishment, neglect, and even child labor.”
”For students who are studying through online classes, Maribojoc said that they might also be exposed to cyberbullying. Worse, some children might become victims of cyber pornography, online sexual abuse, and exploitation. “They might also be exposed to online predators,” she added.
To help ensure that children’s rights are protected even during distance learning, Maribojoc said that the supplemental policy on child protection in the context of the BE-LCP will focus on home-based learning, the functionality of child protection committee and reporting of cases, and safeguarding students online.
September 18 –
International Equal Pay Day
“Increase wages now,
more than other cost items.
For widespread, practical equality!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO Constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar
to carry out the recommendations of the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry
against serious violations of protocols of
Forced Labour and Freedom of Association.
Accept the National Unity Government (NUG)
of Myanmar. Reject Military!
#WearMask #WashHands
#Report Corruption #SearchPosts #TakePicturesVideos
September –
5 Sept – Intl Day of Charity
7 Sept – Intl Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies
8 Sept – International Literacy Day
12 Sept – United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation
15 Sept – International Day of Democracy
16 Sept – International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer
17 Sept – World Patient Safety Day
18 Sept – International Equal Pay Day
21 Sept – International Day of Peace
26 Sept – International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons
27 Sept – World Tourism Day
28 Sept – International Day for Universal Access to Information
29 Sept – International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste
30 Sept – World Maritime Day
Monthly Observances:
Health, Safety and Sanitation Month
National Clean-up Month
Civil Service Month
National Peace Consciousness Month
Social Security Month
Rule of Law Month
National Teachers’ Month (Sept 5-Oct 4)
Weekly Observances:
Sept 17 – 23:
World Clean and Green Week
Week 2: Education Week
Week 4: Medicine Week
Last Week: National Family Week
Daily Observances:
Third Saturday:
International Coastal Clean-up Day
Third Monday: World Health Day
Last Friday: National Maritime Day
Sept 8: National Literacy Day
Sept 15: Philippine Medicine Day
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