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 MANUAL ON CHILD PROTECTION AND
SAFEGUARDING POLICY

Copyright 2021

The Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines states that

“No copyright shall subsist in any work of the Government of
the Philippines. However, prior approval of the government
agency or office wherein the work is created shall be necessary
for exploitation of such work for profit. Such agency or office
may, among other things, impose as a condition the payment
of royalties.”

Borrowed materials (e.g., texts, illustrations, photos, and other

copyrightable, patentable contents) included in this manual
are owned by their respective copyright and intellectual prop-
erty right holders.

No part of this material, including its original and borrowed

contents, may be reproduced in any form without written per-
mission from the Schools Division of Oriental Mindoro.

For questions and comments, write or call to:

Schools Division of Oriental Mindoro

Sta. Isabel, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro
Tel. No. (043) 288-7362; (0430 286-7810
Email Add: depeddiviformin@gmail.com
 We dream of Filipinos

THE DEPED VISION

who passionately love their country
and whose values and competencies APPROVAL SHEET
enable them to realize their full potential
and contribute meaningfully to building the
nation.
As a learner-centered public institu- This MANUAL ON CHILD PROTECTION AND SAFE-
tion, GUARDING POLICY, prepared and submitted by the Develop-
the Department of Education ment Team led by Oscar C. Linga, Education Program Supervi-
continuously improves itself sor in EsP/ Child Protection Focal Person/Specialist, has been
to better serve its stakeholders.
examined and is recommended for acceptance and approval for
publication and implementation.

Reviewed:
THE DEPED MISSION

To protect and promote the right of every Filipi-

no to quality, equitable, culture-based, and complete
basic education where:
HAIDE M. PADUA, EdD. CHARITY A. CAPUNITAN
• Students learn in a child-friendly, gender- Education Program Supervisor Chief Education
sensitive, safe, and motivating environment. OIC– Chief Education Supervisor Supervisor—CID
• Teachers facilitate learning and constantly nur- SGOD
ture every learner.
• Administrators and staff, as stewards of the in- Recommending Approval:
stitution, ensure an enabling and supportive en-
vironment for effective learning to happen.
• Family, community, and other stakehold- RAFAEL G. MANALO, PhD
ers are actively engaged and share responsibility Assistant Schools Division Superintendent
for developing life-long learners.

Approved:
CORE VALUES

Maka-Diyos SUSANA M. BAUTISTA

Makatao Schools Division Superintendent
Makakalikasan
Makabansa
Appendix A

Confidential
Appendix A

Confidential
 Appendix A

Confidential

School behavior
______ Child is behaving well in school
______ Child is a victim of bullying in school
______ Child has been observed to have moderate behavior prob-
lems in school
______ Child had severe problems with behavior in school. Child
has been reported for bullying in school.
Juvenile Justice (JJ)1
History of criminal behavior
______ Current criminal behavior is the first known occurrence
______ Youth has engaged in multiple delinquent acts in the past
year
Seriousness
______ Youth has engaged only in status violations or violations of
local ordinances
______ Youth has engaged in criminal behavior
______ Youth has engaged in criminal behavior that places other
citizens at risk of significant physical harm
Peer Influences
______ Youth’s primary peer social network does not engage in de-
linquent behavior
______ Youth predominantly has peers who engage in delinquent
behavior
______ Youth’s primary peer social network are known to engage in
criminal behavior
_________________________________
1 Indicators were based on the Juvenile Justice Module of the Child
and Adolescent Needs and Strengths manual. Preda Foundation
(1999)
PART II:
The table below further provides a non-exhaustive list of ex-
amples of evidence which would suggest that a student has met the
threshold for an immediate referral to the proper authorities
(LSWDO, Licensed SW of accredited and duly-licensed child caring
agency, or to the DSWD CIU) or whether there is still a need for fur-
ther investigation or data gathering on the allegations before refer-
rals are made.
Initial assessment made using this form will not substitute for
the professional assessment and judgment of a licensed counsellor,
licensed child psychologist and licensed social worker.
 Appendix A

Confidential

II. Individual factors:

______ History of substance / alcohol abuse
______ Involvement in gangs
______ Involvement in any positive youth development activity, identify:
_______________________
______ Reported incidents of sudden outbursts of anger/Irritability exhibit-
ed in school
______ Report or allegations of traumatic experiences of the child
______ Reported recent suicide attempts or suicidal ideation
______ Child observed in class to be depressed, anxious and out of focus
most of the time
______ Constant somatic complaints
______ Reported/Noted thought disturbances
Types of offenses committed (mark with X and indicate how many times
reported for every type of offense committed)
______ Theft
______ Robbery
______ Physical injuries
______ Sexual harassment
______ Rape
______ Homicide
______ Murder
______ Drug-related offense
______ Other offenses punished under penal laws (please indicate)

Family/Community factors:
______ Child is a victim of abuse, identify _________________ (sexual, physi-
cal, emotional, verbal)
______ Child is a victim of neglect
______ Child has no parents or no adult guardian in the household
______ History of parental criminal behavior
______ History of sibling’s criminal behavior
______ Witness to family/domestic violence
______ Parent substance abuse
______ Homeless
______ Abandoned
______ Witness to community violence
______ Presence of support system (family, community, church, school)
Family/Community factors:
______ Child is a victim of abuse, identify _________________ (sexual, physi-
cal, emotional, verbal)
______ Child is a victim of neglect
______ Child has no parents or no adult guardian in the household
______ History of parental criminal behavior
______ History of sibling’s criminal behavior
______ Witness to family/domestic violence
______ Parent substance abuse
______ Homeless
______ Abandoned
______ Witness to community violence
______ Presence of support system (family, community, church, school)
 Appendix A

Confidential

Profiling and Initial Risk Assessment Tools for Children-At-Risk

D.O 18 s2015 DepEd Guidelines and Procedures on the Manage-
ment of Children At Risk (CAR) and Children In Conflict with the
Law (CICL)
PART I
This form will help the guidance teacher or guidance counselor quick-
ly note down risk factors that make the child vulnerable to coming
into conflict with the law. A check mark on those items in red/bold
font require immediate referral of the child to the LSWDO, DSWD or
licensed child-caring agencies and NGOs for further assessment and
treatment or intervention planning.

A mark on the other items or factors, other than those in red, require
further investigation or data gathering on the part of the school CPC
before referral is made to the LSWDO or DSWD.

Initial assessment made using this form will not substitute for the
professional assessment and judgment of a licensed counselor, li-
censed child psychologist and licensed social worker.

I. Child’s Identifying Information

Name: _______________________________________________________

Age: ____________Date of Birth:_______________ Sex:___________

Address:__________________________________________________________

In school? _______ Yes; Grade/ Year Level: ___________

_______ No;
Highest Grade/Year Level finished:____
 Appendix b

Confidential

ii Preface
iii Messages
1 Introduction
3 Title
3 Purpose & Scope
3 Statutory Guidance
5 CPP Statement
6 Definitions
12 Key Principles
13 Roles & Responsibilities
 Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) Intake Form
D.O 18 s2015 DepEd Guidelines and Procedures on the Manage-
ment of Children At Risk (CAR) and Children In Conflict with the
Law (CICL)

Name of School ______________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________
Case No.: ____________________ Date: _________________

I. Identifying information
Name:
________________________________________ Nickname:
________________________________________
Age: ________________________________________
Date of Birth: _____________________________________________
Place of Birth: _____________________________________________
Address: ___________________________________________________
Grade/Year Level & Section:_________________________________
Class Adviser:_______________________________________________
Parents/Guardian Information:
Parents/Guardian: ________________________________________
Address: ___________________________________________________
Contact No.s:_______________________________________________
Mechanisms 17
II. Problem Presented (Information on the Reported Offense)

Alleged offense committed by the student (describe incident as re-

Case Management 18
ported):
__________________________________________________________________ Sanctions 61
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________ Training, Advocacy & Communication 75
Place and Date of Alleged Commission of Offense:
__________________________________________________________________ Policy Review & Amendments 75
________________________________________________________
Name of referring party/relation to the child: Separability Clause 76
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________ Effectivity 76
Name of victim/s (if any): ____________ Grade/Level: ________
Previous Offense reported in school, if any (please indicate date): ___ Commitment 76
III. Actions taken, if any
_____________________________________________________________ References 77
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________ Annexes 79
Appendix C

Confidential
Appendix C

Confidential

MANUAL ON CHILD PROTECTION AND

SAFEGUARDING POLICY
A Guide for Better Child Protection and Safeguarding Practices
 Appendix D

INTRODUCTION Confidential

CONSOLIDATED REPORT ON CASES OF CHILDREN-AT-RISK

Children are considered one of the country’s greatest (CAR)
resources. They are the next generation of leaders and constit-
uents. Where they are heading, this country will surely go. D.O. 18 s.2015 DepEd Guidelines and Procedures on the Man-
Thus, it is necessary to groom children to adopt healthy atti- agement of Children At Risk (CAR) and Children In Conflict
tudes and positive traits so that they grow up to be balanced with the Law (CICL)
individuals. It is also essential to ensure that they can grow
and develop holistically and maximize their potential eventual- School/ Division/ Region: ________________________________________
ly. In doing so, one important thing to consider is the protec- Period Covered: _________________________________________________
tion of children.

The National Baseline Study on Violence Against Chil-

dren in the Philippines released by the Council for the Welfare
of Children shows a high overall prevalence of violence against
I. CHILDREN-AT-RISK (CAR)
Filipino children with three out of five children being physically
II. Description of action taken by the school or division to alle-
and psychologically abused, and bullied, and almost one in five viate the risk factors of the CAR:
children being sexually violated. However, disclosures are low
at 10% overall. It is further attested that most children disclose __________________________________________________________________
to their friends and to some extent, mothers. They rarely dis- __________________________________________________________________
close the violence they experience to professionals but when __________________________________________________________________
they do, teachers are the most common persons they disclose __________________________________________________________________
to and seek help from. __________________________________________________________________

Furthermore, corporal punishment is the most common

form of violence experienced by children, and that there is a
Prepared by:
high prevalence of violence experienced by both boys and girls,
with the estimated total prevalence for males at 81.5 percent
and 78.4 percent among females. ____________________________ __________________________
Signature over printed name Designation
The same study also shows that poly-victimization is
common among children who experience violence. This means Noted by:
that experiencing one form of violence places the child at risk ___________________________________________
to experience other forms of violence thus, prevention and in- Principal/Superintendent/Regional Director
tervention services cannot focus only on one type of violence.

Hence, there is a massive effort for the protection of chil-

dren who are considered this country’s greatest resource. To-
wards this end, the Department of Education (DepEd), in col-
laboration with its partners and stakeholders, shall ensure
1
Appendix D that all schools are conducive to the education of children. The
Confidential best interest of the child shall be the paramount consideration
in all decisions and actions involving children, whether under-
taken by public or private social welfare institutions, courts of
law, administrative authorities, ad legislative bodies, consistent
with the principle of the first call for children, as enunciated in
the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The
Department recognizes that cases of abuse may arise as a re-
sult of the difficult situations faced by teachers and other offi-
cials within and outside school.

With this, DepEd has implemented the DepEd Order No.

40, series of 2012, otherwise known as the Child Protection
Policy, to provide special protection to children who are gravely
threatened or endangered by circumstances that affect their
normal development and over which they have no control, and
to assist the concerned agencies in their rehabilitation.

Accordingly, the Department of Education – Division of

Oriental Mindoro adheres to the DepEd mandates and thus
reiterates a zero-tolerance policy for any act of child abuse, ex-
ploitation, violence, discrimination, bullying, and other forms
of abuse, and hereby promulgates the DIVISION SAFEGUARD-
ING AND CHILD PROTECTION POLICY.

2
 Section I. TITLE

This shall be known as the “Manual on Child Protection

and Safeguarding Policy”.

Section II. PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE POLICY

Purpose. The purpose of this Division-Based Child Pro-

tection Policy is to provide a framework wherein children, as
defined in DepEd Child Protection Policy (D.O. 40 s. 2012) are
protected from all forms of abuse and exploitation in the daily
activities and programs.

This also aims to set the child safeguarding standards

and mechanisms, ensure the protection of children’s rights,
promote learners’ welfare and provide measures on how vio-
lence against children can be prevented and handled.
Scope. This policy applies to:

a. all children who are currently enrolled in the schools

under the Division of Oriental Mindoro;
b. all division personnel, regardless of nature of appoint-
ment and job status;
c. school Personnel (School Head, Teaching and non-
Teaching Personnel) regardless of nature of appointment
and job status;
d. school visitors or guests (media, suppliers or bidders,
parents, and guardians, etc.); and,
e. community members and other stakeholders who may
have direct or indirect interaction with children.

Section III. STATUTORY GUIDANCE

The 1987 Constitution – Article XV Section 3 im-

poses upon the State, the obligation to defend the right of chil-
dren to assistance, including proper care and nutrition, and
special protection from all forms of neglect, abuse, cruelty, ex-
ploitation, and other conditions prejudicial to their develop-
ment.
3
 The Constitution further provides that all educational
institutions shall inculcate patriotism and nationalism, foster
love of humanity, respect for human rights, appreciation of the
role of national heroes in the historical development of the
country, teach the rights and duties of citizenship, strengthen
ethical and spiritual values, develop moral character and per-
sonal discipline, encourage critical and creative thinking,
broaden scientific and technological knowledge, and promote
vocational efficiency (Article XIV, Section 3 [2]).

The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) aims to

protect children from all forms of physical or mental violence,
injury, and abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreat-
ment, and exploitation, including sexual abuse. The same Con-
vention establishes the right of the child to education, and to
achieve this right progressively, and on the basis of equal op-
portunity, it obliges the government to take measures to en-
courage regular attendance in school and reduce drop-out
rates. Thus, it is mandated that all appropriate measures be
undertaken to ensure that school discipline is administered in
a manner consistent with the child’s human dignity, and con-
formity with the CRC.

This Policy shall be in accordance with:

a. DepEd Order No. 40, s. 2012 also known as the DepEd
Child Protection Policy;
b. DepEd Order No. 18, s. 2015 (DepEd Guidelines on the
Management of Children-at-risk and Children in Conflict
with the Law;
c. DepEd Order No. 55, s. 2013 Implementing Rules &
Regulations (IRR) of the RA No. 10627 Otherwise Known
as the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013;
d. DepEd Order 57 s. 2017 (Policy on the Protection of
Children in Armed Conflict);

and several other child protection laws and issuances such

as:
e. RA 9262 or the “Anti-Violence Against Women & Their
Children Act of 2004”
f. RA 9775 or the “Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009”
4
 g. RA 7610 or the “Special Protection of Children Against CONSENT FORM FOR THE USE OF AUDIO, VIDEO RECORDING,
Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act” IMAGES AND OTHER INFORMATION
h. RA 9231: “An Act Providing for the Elimination of the
Worst Forms of Child Labor and Affording Stronger Pro-
tection for the Working Child, amending for this Purpose It is crucial that we protect the privacy rights of our students
RA No. 7610, as Amended, Otherwise Known as the and their families and respect the conditions under which schools
“Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Ex- allow us to access their online classroom. For this reason, we seek
ploitation and Discrimination Act” permission from you to record audio, video segments of instruction,
i. RA 10627 or the “Anti-Bullying Act of 2013”
images and other information of the students. The permission grant-
j. RA 9344 or the “Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of
ed will be shared solely between teachers, school administrators and
2006”
immediate supervising for reporting.
k. RA 10630 “An Act Strengthening the Juvenile Justice
System in the Philippines, Amending for the Purpose of
RA No. 9344, Otherwise known as the Juvenile and Wel-
fare Act of 2006” and Appropriating Funds Therefore” Please indicate your preference below.
l. RA 10364, an amended of RA 9208: “An Act to Institute
Policies to Eliminate Trafficking in Persons Especially
Women and Children, Establishing the Necessary Insti- ___ I do give permission to include my child in audio/video seg-
tutional Mechanisms for the Protection and Support of ments of instruction.
Trafficking Persons, Providing Penalties for its Violations
and for Other Purposes”
m. RA 9208 or the “Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2002”
n. RA 10175 or the “Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012”. ___ I do not give permission to include my child in audio/video
segments of instruction.
Section IV. CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

STATEMENT Name of Student: ________________________________________________

The Department of Education - Division of Oriental Min- Name of Parent or Guardian:_____________________________________

doro stands against any form of child abuse, exploitation, or Parent/Guardian Signature: _____________________________________
violence committed against children. All learners must be pro-
tected from deliberate or even unintentional actions that place Date: _______________
them at risk of abuse, exploitation, injury, neglect, discrimina-
tion, and any other harm.

In all decisions and actions that concern children, the

welfare of the children is the paramount consideration as the
school adheres to the principles of the Convention of the Rights
of Children and the Declaration of Human Rights. Hence, the
Division of Oriental Mindoro shall work to:
5
 a. provide a conducive learning environment where learn-
Disclosure and Agreement Form as Member of Fraternity/ ers grow holistically in a culture of respect and responsi-
Sororities bility
I, ___________________________________ disclose that I am a full b. advocate positive and non-violent modes of discipline
c. promote awareness of child rights and child protection
pledge (Name of Learner) and active member of
issuances;
________________________________, since_______________.
d. ensure the effective implementation of Child Protection
(Name of Fraternity/Sorority) (Date) Policy;
e. consider the learners’ best interest in all its undertaking
(policy-making, program planning or formulation, imple-
mentation, monitoring, and assessment);
This information is needed for the purpose of following school rules
f. adhere to the key international, national, and local
and regulation stipulated in the Safeguarding and Child Protection standards and issuances relevant to Child Protection;
Manual of the School. This information will not curtail my right to g. engage learners, parents, and other stakeholders in
school activities or events that uphold children’s rights,
education and will not hinder my enrollment in this school.
positive discipline, and bullying prevention;
With this, I assure that I will follow the school rules and regula- h. disseminate the policy and its annexes to all relevant
stakeholders; and
tions and become a learner with good moral character. i. establish and operationalize the Division Child Protec-
tion Committee (CPC).
By signing below, I understand together with my parent/s that this
disclosed information and agreement remains in effect as long as I Section V. DEFINITIONS
am a learner of this institution.
In consonance with DepEd Child Protection Policy,
this school-based policy adopts the operational definition of
terms cited in DepEd Order No. 40 s. 2012.
_______________________ ____________
a. Child – refers to any person below eighteen (18) years of
Name and Signature of Learner / Date age or those over but are unable to fully take care of
themselves from abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation, or
discrimination because of a physical or mental disability
_______________________ ____________ or condition; (RA 7610). It also includes students who
Name and Signature of Parent / Date
may be eighteen (18) years of age or older but are in
school.
b. Child Protection – refers to programs, services, proce-
dures, and structures that are intended to prevent and
respond to abuse, neglect, exploitation, discrimination,
and violence.
c. Child Abuse – refers to the maltreatment of a child,
whether habitual or not, which includes any of the fol-
6
 GUARDIANSHIP FORM
lowing:
1. psychological or physical abuse, neglect, cruelty, sex-
I, ___________________(name of guardian), of legal age, _________(civil
ual abuse, and emotional maltreatment; status)and presently residing at ______________________, after being
2. any act by deeds or words which debases, degrades, duly sworn to in accordance with law, depose and state:
or demeans the intrinsic worth and dignity of a child
as a human being; 1. That I am the ___________________ (relationship) of the minor
3. unreasonable deprivation of the child’s basic needs named below who was enrolled at
for survival, such as food and shelter; or ______________________________(name of school).
4. failure to immediately give medical treatment to an
injured child resulting in serious impairment of his NAME OF MINOR :_____________________________________________
or her growth and development or the child’s perma- DATE OF BIRTH : _____________________________________________
PLACE OF BIRTH : ____________________________________________
nent incapacity or death (Sec.3 [b], RA 7610).
d. Discrimination against children – refers to an act of 2. That the parents of the above-named child
exclusion, distinction, restriction, or preference which is ___________________________ cannot sign/ appear at
based on any ground such as age, ethnicity, sex, sexual ___________________________ (school) due to
orientation, and gender identity, language, religion, po- ___________________________(state circumstance why parents cannot sign/appear;
litical or other opinions, national or social origin, proper- 3. That I am the guardian of the above-named minor since year____;
ty, birth, being infected or affected by Human Immuno- 4. That the said minor is under my care and custody;
deficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syn- 5. That I am not an imbecile, insane, a vagrant or a vicious person
drome (AIDS), being pregnant, being a child in conflict or a habitual drunkard or a habitual criminal, and have not aban-
with the law, being a child with a disability or other sta- doned, neglected or refused to support said minor or caused him to
commit offenses against the law.
tus or condition, and which has the purpose or effect of
6. That I shall fully commit to guide and support the above-named
nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or ex- minor in his studies at _____________ in accordance with its school
ercise by all persons, on an equal footing, of all rights rules and regulations.
and freedoms.
e. Child Exploitation – refers to the use of children for
someone else’s advantage, gratification, or profit often Done this _________________ (date) at __________________________.
resulting in unjust, cruel, and harmful treatment of the
child. These activities disrupt the child’s normal physi-
cal or mental health, education, moral or social- ______________________________
emotional development. It covers situations of manipula- Name and Signature of Affiant
tion, misuse, abuse, victimization, oppression, or ill-
treatment. SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me, this ______ at ___________,
affiant exhibiting to me his/her valid government ID______________,
There are two (2) main forms of child exploitation issued on _________ at _________________________.
that are recognized:
1. Sexual exploitation – refers to the abuse of a po-
sition of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, Signed by: ______________________________
for sexual purposes. It includes, but is not limited Barangay Captain
to forcing a child to participate in prostitution or
7
 HOME VISITATION FORM the production of pornographic materials, as a
result of being subjected to a threat, deception,
Date:_________________ coercion, abduction, force, abuse of authority,
debt bondage, fraud, or through abuse of a vic-
tim’s vulnerability.
Name of Student: ______________________________
2. Economic exploitation – refers to the use of the
Year & Section:_________________________________
Name of Adviser: _________________________________________________ child in work or other activities for the benefit of
others. Economic exploitation involves a certain
Case/s: __________________________________________________________ gain or profit through the production, distribu-
__________________________________________________________________ tion, and consumption of goods and services.
__________________________________________________________________ This includes, but is not limited to, illegal child
labor, as defined in RA 9231.
Name of Parent/s:________________________________________________ f. Violence against children committed in schools – re-
Address: _________________________________________________________ fers to a single act or a series of acts committed by
Time of visit:___________________________________ school administrators, academic and non-academic per-
Observation:
sonnel against a child, which result in or is likely to re-
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________ sult in physical, sexual, psychological harm or suffering,
__________________________________________________________________ or other abuses including threats of such acts, battery,
__________________________________________________________________ assault, coercion, harassment or arbitrary deprivation of
__________________________________________________________________ liberty. It includes, but is not limited to, the following
__________________________________________________________________ acts:
__________________________________________________________________ 1. Physical violence refers to acts that inflict bodily
harm. It includes assigning children to perform
Agreement w/ Parent/s:___________________________________________ tasks that are hazardous to their physical well-
__________________________________________________________________ being.
__________________________________________________________________
2. Sexual violence refers to acts that are sexual in
__________________________________________________________________
nature. It includes, but is not limited to:
Student’s Signature: ______________________ i. rape, sexual harassment, acts of lascivious-
Parent/s’ Signature: _______________________ ness, making demeaning and sexually sugges-
Adviser’s Signature: _______________________ tive remarks, physically attacking the sexual
parts of the victim’s body;
ii. forcing the child to watch obscene publica-
tions and indecent sexual acts and/or to en-
gage or be involved in, the creation or distri-
bution of such films, indecent publication, or
material; and
iii. acts causing or attempting to cause the
child to engage in any sexual activity by force,
the threat of force, physical or other harm or
threat of physical or other harm or coercion,
8
 or through inducements, gifts or favors.
3. Psychological violence refers to acts or omis-
sions causing or likely to cause mental or emo-
tional suffering of the child, such as but not lim-
ited to intimidation, harassment, stalking, dam-
age to property, public ridicule or humiliation,
deduction, or threat of deduction from grade or
merit as a form of punishment, and repeated ver-
bal abuse.
4. Other acts of violence of a physical, sexual, or
psychological nature that is prejudicial to the
best interest of the child.

g. Bullying or Peer Abuse – refers to willful aggressive be-

havior that is directed towards a particular victim who
may be out-numbered, younger, weak, with a disability,
less confident, or otherwise vulnerable. More particular-
ly:
1. Bullying – is committed when a student commits an
act or series of acts directed towards another stu-
dent, or a series of single acts directed towards sev-
eral students in a school setting or a place of learn-
ing, which results in physical and mental abuse,
harassment, intimidation, or humiliation. Such acts
may consist of any one or more of the following:

i. threats to inflict a wrong upon the person, honor

or property of the person or on his or her family;
ii. stalking or constantly following or pursuing a per-
son in his or her daily activities, with unwanted
and obsessive attention;
iii. taking of property;
iv. public humiliation, or public and malicious impu-
tation of a crime or of a vice or defect, whether
real or imaginary, or any act, omission, condition,
status, or circumstance tending to cause dishon-
or, discredit or expose a person to contempt;
v. deliberate destruction or defacement of, or dam-
age to the child’s property;
vi. physical violence committed upon a student,
9
Office of the Principal which may or may not result in harm or injury,
with or without the aid of a weapon. Such vio-
Date: ____________ lence may be in the form of mauling, hitting,
NOTICE punching, kicking, throwing things at the stu-
dent, pinching, spanking, or other similar acts;
This is to notify ________________________________ (student)
and _______________________ (parent) about the proceedings. Upon
vii. demanding or requiring sexual or monetary fa-
careful investigation by the Child protection Committee, it has been vors, or exacting money or property, from a stu-
proven that the abovementioned student violated the school rules dent; and
and regulation ___________________________ (violation) on viii. restraining the liberty and freedom of a student.
________________ (date).
2. Cyber-bullying is any conduct defined in the preced-
Date: ___________ ing paragraph, as resulting in harassment, intimidation,
Student’s Response or humiliation, through electronic means or other tech-
__________________________________________________________________ nology, such as but not limited to texting, email, instant
__________________________________________________________________
messaging, chatting, internet, social networking web-
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
sites, or other platforms or formats.
__________________________________________________________________ h. Other acts of abuse by a student refer to other serious
__________________________________________________________________ acts of abuse committed by a student upon another stu-
dent of the same school, not falling under the definition
Student’s Name: Parent’s Name: of ‘bullying’ in the preceding provisions, including but
Signature: Signature: not limited to acts of a physical, sexual or psychological
nature.
Date: ___________ i. Corporal Punishment – refers to a kind of punishment
or penalty imposed for an alleged or actual offense,
Notice of Sanction
which is carried out or inflicted, for discipline, training
In accordance with the school’s policy, the student is hereby
or control, by a teacher, school administrator, an adult,
given or any other child who has been given or has assumed
__________________________________________________________________ authority or responsibility for punishment or discipline.
______________________________________________ (sanction). It includes physical, humiliating, or degrading punish-
ment, including, but not limited to the following:
Signed: 1. blows such as, but not limited to, beating, kick-
ing, hitting, slapping, or lashing, of any part of
_________________________ the child’s body, with or without the use of an in-
School strument such as, but not limited to a cane,
Head
broom, stick, whip or belt;
Acknowledgment:
2. striking a child’s face or head, such as being de-
clared as a “no contact zone”,
Student’s Name: Parent’s Name: 3. pulling hair, shaking, twisting joints, cutting or
Signature: Signature: piercing the skin, dragging, pushing, or throwing
of a child;
10
 4. forcing a child to perform physically painful or Reporting Form
damaging acts such as, but not limited to, hold- D.O. 57, s. 2017 Policy on the Protection of Children in Armed
ing a weight or weights for an extended period Conflict
and kneeling on stones, salt, pebbles, or other
Source of Data
objects;
5. deprivation of a child’s physical needs as a form of Name of Reporting Party__________________________________________
punishment; Agency___________________________________________________________
6. deliberate exposure to fire, ice, water, smoke, sun- Event Information
light, rain, pepper, alcohol, or forcing the child to
swallow substances, dangerous chemicals, and Source of Information
other materials that can cause discomfort or __________________________________________________________________
threaten the child’s health, safety, and sense of ____________________________________________________________________
security such as, but not limited to bleach or in- ________________________________________________________________
secticides, excrement or urine;
Date and Time of Incident
7. tying up a child;
__________________________________________________________________
8. confinement, imprisonment, or depriving the liber- __________________________________________________________________
ty of a child; Location__________________________________________________________
9. verbal abuse or assaults, including intimidation or Number of Children Affected
threat of bodily harm, swearing or cursing, ridi- Number of Girls__________________________________________________
culing or denigrating the child; Number of Boys__________________________________________________
10. forcing a child to wear a sign, to undress or dis- Names and Age of Affected Children
robe, or to put on anything that will make a child ____________________________________________________________________
look or feel foolish, which belittles or humiliates ________________________________________________________________
the child in front of others; __________________________________________________________________
11. permanent confiscation of personal property of
Named of Armed Group or Forces Involved
pupils, students, or learners, except when such __________________________________________________________________
pieces of property pose a danger to the child or
others; and
12. other analogous acts. Prepared by: _________________________ ____________
Signature over printed name Designation
j. Positive and Non-Violent Discipline of Children are the
ways of thinking and holistic, constructive, and proac- Date: _______________________________________
tive approach to teaching that help children develop ap-
propriate thinking and behavior in the short and long
term and fosters self-discipline. It is based on the funda-
mental principle that children are full human beings
with basic human rights. Positive discipline begins with
setting the long-term goals or impacts that teachers
want to have on their students’ adult lives and using
everyday situations and challenges as opportunities to
11
 teach life-long skills and values to students.

Section VI. KEY CHILD PROTECTION PRINCIPLES

This policy is based on the following principles:

i. Child’s Rights Protection. The principles included in

the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the
Child (UNCRC): Children’s right to survival and develop-
ment; the best interests of the child as a paramount
consideration in all decisions relating to children; the
right of all children to freely express their views; the
principle of non-discrimination.
ii. Zero-tolerance to any form of violence against chil-
dren. The Department of Education strongly reiterates
that any form of violence against children, online or of-
fline is never acceptable, in any setting, and recognizes
that they have adverse and long-lasting effects on the
children, their families, and the community.
iii. Best Interest of the Child. Teaching and Non- Teach-
ing Personnel are committed to ensuring that the chil-
dren are being heard or listened to and their best inter-
est is considered in every undertaking that involves
them. The school shall engage the Learner Representa-
tive sitting in the Child Protection Committee in discussing
and deciding on matters that concern the learners particular-
ly in the crafting of programs and policies.
iv. Fairness. In all undertakings involving children, each
learner will be dealt with fairness and respect and given
fair and just treatment, particularly in child protection
proceedings.
v. Shared Responsibility on Child Protection. The school
recognizes that the successful implementation of the
Child Protection Policy and program entails the sharing
of responsibility and commitment of all the stakehold-
ers; thus parents, teaching and non-teaching personnel,
LGU, government agencies, Non-government organiza-
tions, the learners themselves, and the entire communi-
ty, must be informed.

12
 vi. Inclusive Practice in Child Safeguarding. This policy
shall serve to promote and protect the welfare of every
learner regardless of age, economic status, religious af-
filiation, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnic
origin, and family background. All learners shall be ac-
corded the rights and opportunities due to them.

Section VII. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The School Head, Teaching and Non-Teaching Personnel,

Child Protection Committee, parents, learners, and other con-
cerned stakeholders shall be made aware of their roles and re-
sponsibilities in the Child Protection Program as cited in Sec-
tions 4 to 9 of DO No. 40 s. 2012 and Section VIII Rule VI of
DO No. 55 s. 2013.

A. Division Offices
The Division Offices shall have the following du-
ties and responsibilities:
1. conduct the information-dissemination activities
and in-service training for teachers on the protec-
tion of children in school from abuse, violence,
exploitation, discrimination, bullying or peer
abuse, and other related cases:
2. undertake advocacy campaigns and capability
building activities to enable the schools to do the
following:
• apply positive and non-violence discipline;
• formulate and implement guidelines and
procedures to emphasize the role of all
stakeholders and other persons in the pre-
vention and reporting of cases of bullying;
and
• provide conflict resolution or peer media-
tion including referral to appropriate ser-
vice providers, if needed.
3. organize and conduct capacity-building activities
for members of the Child Protection Committee
and Guidance Counselors/Teachers; including,
but not limited to the identification of students
13
 who may be suffering from significant harm
based on any physical, emotional behavioral
signs;
4. develop strategies to address the risk factors that
contribute to the commission of acts of abuse,
violence, exploitation, discrimination, and bully-
ing;
5. consolidate the reports on the incidents and cases
of all schools and submit Division Report (Annex
“A”) to the Regional Office;
6. monitor and evaluate the implementation and en-
forcement by public and private schools of this
Department Order and such other related laws
and regulations relative to abuse, exploitation,
violence, and discrimination of children;
7. exercise disciplinary jurisdiction, where appropri-
ate, pursuant to the Revised Rules of Procedure
of the Department of Education in Administrative
Cases and other existing laws, rules, and regula-
tions;
8. give recommendations to the Regional Office and
devise measures to address the prohibit abuse,
exploitation, violence, and discrimination, and
bullying or peer abuse of children, consistent
with this Department Order;
9. utilize resources, coordinate with appropriate of-
fices and other agency or instrumentality for such
assistance as it may require in the performance of
its functions;
10. encourage and support activities and campaigns
initiated by stakeholders; and
11. perform such other functions, as may be as-
signed by the Secretary of the Regional Director.

B. Schools
The School Heads shall have the following duties and
responsibilities:
1. ensure the institution of effective child protection
policies and procedures, and monitor compliance
thereof;
14
2. ensure that the school adopts a child protection
policy;
3. ensure that all pupils, students or learners,
school personnel, parents, guardians or custodi-
ans, and visitors and guests are made aware of
child protection policy (Annex “C”);
4. organize and convene the Child Protection Com-
mittee for the school;
5. conduct the capacity building activities for the
members of the Child Protection Committee and
Guidance Counselors/Teachers;
6. conduct disciplinary proceedings in the cases of
the offense committed by pupils, students, or
learners;
7. ensure that the participatory and other rights of
children are respected and upheld in all matters
and procedures affecting their welfare;
8. maintain a record of all proceedings related to bul-
lying or peer abuse and a copy of the intake form
to be submitted to the Division Office to report
(Annexes “A” & “B”);
9. conduct appropriate training and capability-
building activities on child protection measures
and protocols;
10. ensure that the school adopts a Student Code of
Conduct to be followed by every pupil, student or
learner while on school grounds, or when travel-
ing to and from school, or during a school-
sponsored activity, and lunch period, whether on
or off-campus;
11. adopt such conflict resolution mechanisms that
respect the rights of indigenous peoples, provided
that they conform to this Department Order and
they uphold the rights of the child;
12. coordinate with the appropriate offices and other
agency or instrumentality for the appropriate as-
sistance and intervention, as may be required in
the performance of its functions;
13. coordinate with the Department of Social Welfare
and Development or, the appropriate government
15
 agencies or non-governmental organizations on a
Child Protection Hotline for reporting abuse, vio-
lence, exploitation, discrimination, bullying, and
other similar acts for counseling; and
14. ensure that all incidents of abuse, violence, ex-
ploitation, discrimination, bullying, and other
similar acts are addressed in the accordance with
the provisions of this Department Order.

C. Duties and Responsibilities of School Personnel

Article 218 of the Family Code of the Philippines provides

the following responsibilities of school administrators, teach-
ers, academic and non-academic, and other personnel:

• Exercise special parental authority and responsi-

bility for the child while under their supervision,
instruction, and custody. Authority and responsi-
bility shall apply to all authorized activities
whether inside or outside the premises of the
school, entity, or institution.
Articles 220 and 223 of the Family Code of the Philippines,
Presidential Decree No. 603, and other related laws enumerat-
ed the following duties and responsibilities of the above men-
tioned persons and personnel over the children under their su-
pervision, instruction, and custody:

1. keep them in their company and support, educate

and instruct them by right precept and good ex-
ample;
2. give them love and affection, advice and counsel,
companionship and understanding;
3. enhance, protect, preserve and maintain their
physical and mental health at all times;
4. furnish them with good and wholesome educa-
tional materials, supervise their activities, recrea-
tion, and association with others, protect them
from bad company and prevent them from acquir-
ing habits detrimental to their health, studies,
and morals;
16
 5. represent them in all matters affecting their inter-
ests;
6. inculcate the value of respect and obedience;
7. practice positive and non-violent discipline, as
may be required under the circumstances; pro-
vided, that in no case shall corporal punishment
be inflicted upon them;
8. perform such other duties as are imposed by law
upon them, as substitute parents or guardians;
and
9. school personnel shall also strictly comply with
the school’s child protection policy.

Section VIII. CHILD PROTECTION MECHANISMS

School policies and regulations must be legal, rights-based,

and child-friendly to prevent any form of violence, abuse, or
discrimination to learners; thus, the following guidelines are
hereby provided:

• Code of conduct for learners

• Code of conduct in dealing with learners
• Social media policy
• Safe management of activities involving children
• Code of conduct for senior high school immersion pro-
gram

17
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR LEARNERS
 The Department of Education - Division of Oriental Min-
doro is an institution where students’ rights as an individual
are properly recognized and respected. With these rights, the
students shall keep in mind the responsibility of ensuring that
the learning environment is encouraging and holistic.

Rights and Responsibilities of Learners

• The right to receive a quality education, primarily

through competent instruction and put forth his/her
best efforts during the educational process.
• The right to equal educational opportunity and the
freedom from discrimination and show respect for
the rights of all persons in the school.
• The right to have access to their records, which shall
be maintained and preserved confidentially by the
school.
• The right to avail school guidance and counseling
services toward making decisions and in selecting
alternative fields of school work suited to their poten-
tialities.
• The right to be provided with adequate, clean, and
well-maintained school facilities, a safe and secure
environment to guarantee holistic development, and
an academic atmosphere conducive to learning but
shall take an active role in ensuring safety and secu-
rity and take care of school facilities.
• The right to be involved in any school activity but has
the responsibility to protect the good name and repu-
tation of the school.
• The right to join organizations but shall be responsi-
ble to observe guidelines and policies set by the
school.
• The right to free inquiry and expression but has the
responsibility to observe courtesy and respect in the
exercise of such right.
• The right to due process concerning the application
of interventions and disciplinary sanctions but has
the responsibility to know, understand and abide by
the Code of Conduct, and recognize the legal authori-
19
 ty of DepEd-Oriental Mindoro to implement rules and
regulations.

Behavior Expected from Learners

A. On School Attire and Grooming

While the general policy is that the wearing of a

school uniform shall not be required in public schools
(as embodied in DepEd Order No. 45 s. 2008), it is nec-
essary to guide what constitutes proper school attire.
The following principles shall serve as a guide:

a. student’s basic right to go to school, study, and

learn is of paramount importance and shall be
respected and promoted at all times.
b. A student’s attire shall reflect respect for the
school as an institution for learning.
c. A student’s attire shall not become a cause for
discrimination particularly for students belonging
to a lower socioeconomic status.
d. Promoting physical hygiene and proper school de-
corum is part of the teaching-learning process in
schools, thus a student’s attire and physical ap-
pearance shall manifest learnings from this pro-
cess.

Guidelines:

1. All students are required to wear proper school attire

during school days and as required during special
occasions.

• Given the above principles, the suggested attire

for elementary and secondary students may be as
per DepEd Order No. 46, s. 2008:

For Boys:
 Polo shirt/T-shirt with sleeves – any plain
color, with a minimum of prints, pants
20
 (long or short) – any color INTAKE SHEET
 Footwear – any Based on D.O 40 s.2012 “Annex B"

I. INFORMATION:
For Girls:
 Dress, skirt and blouse, blouse and pants – any A. VICTIM:
color, any print Name: _______________________________
Date of Birth: ________________________ Age: ________ Sex: _______
 Footwear-any
Gr./Yr and Section: ____________Adviser: _____ ________
 For students with existing uniforms, they can Parents:
continue wearing them, if they desire so. Mother: _______Age: ____Occupation: _________Address: _______
 Students are discouraged from wearing expensive Father: _______ Age: ____Occupation:_________Address:________
(signature or designer brands) or flashy clothes, Contact Number: ______________________________________
tight-fitting pants/blouses/dresses, mini-skirts, B. COMPLAINANT:
short shorts, blouses with plunging necklines, Name: _____________________________________
hip-hop pants for boys, and sleepwear. Relationship to Victim: _____________________________________
Address :__________________________________________________
Contact Number: ________________________________________
2. The acceptable haircut for boys shall be at least 1
inch above the ear and 3 inches above the collar line. C. RESPONDENT:
 Outlandish hairstyles, hair dye, and over accesso- C-1. If respondent is a School Personnel
ries are not allowed. Name: _______________________________
3. All students shall be required to wear the official Date of Birth: ________________________ Age: ________ Sex: _______
Designation/Position: ___________________________________
school identification badge while inside the school Address:_________________________________________________
premises. Tampering, lending, and borrowing of Contact Number: ________________________________________
school ID are strictly prohibited. C-2. If respondent is a Student
4. During Wednesdays or on a prescribed day, students Name: _______________________________
Date of Birth: ________________________ Age: ________ Sex: _______
are allowed to wear the PE uniform and SSG advoca- Gr./Yr and Section: _______________ Adviser: ___________________
cy shirt for officers. Parents/Guardian:
5. Wearing earrings by boys is not allowed inside the Mother: ________________Age: ____Occupation: _______________
school premises and for girls, more than one pair of Address:__________________ Contact Number: ________________
earrings is discouraged. Father: ________________ Age: ______Occupation: _____________
Address:__________________ Contact Number: ________________
6. Learners are highly discouraged from having body tat-
toos and body piercing. In cases where a learner al- II. DETAILS OF THE CASE:
ready has a tattoo upon enrolment, the learner shall
be accepted by the school provided that, the learner III. ACTION TAKEN:
shall not invite or encourage other learners to have a IV. RECOMMENDATIONS:
tattoo.
7. Nails must be cut short to avoid harm to self and oth- Prepared by:
ers.
Name over Printed Name
Designation
Date

21
 Agreement and Consent Form for Behavioral Intervention B. On Attendance and Punctuality
Please read the following information carefully. After you have
read this Agreement, please sign your name below to accept the  Regularity of attendance and punctuality are re-
terms of this Agreement. quired in all classes.
2. A student who has been absent or has cut classes is
I am ________________________________, Section/ required to present a letter of explanation from his/
Grade____________________ agree to provide and follow the interven- her parents or guardian or to bring them to school
tions that will be given by the Child Protection Advocate/School for a short conference with the section adviser or
Guidance Counselor/Designate in accordance with the rules and reg- guidance counselor as the case may be. If sending a
ulation stipulated in the Safeguarding and Child Protection Manual letter is not possible, other means such as phone
of the school. call, text message, or verbal notice can be done pro-
vided that an excuse letter will be given on the return
Attached here is the Behavior Intervention Plan.
of the student to class for record purposes.
Your signature below indicates that you have read this agree- 3. Attendance of students in special holidays, activities
ment and agree to its terms. relative to their religions, shall be allowed provided
the permission of the school head is sought.
____________________________________________ 4. A student who incurs absences of more than twenty
Name and Signature of the Learner / Date percent of the prescribed number of classes during
the school year shall be given a failing grade and giv-
____________________________________________ en no credit for the subject. Furthermore, the school
Name and Signature of the Parent / Date head may at her discretion and in the individual case
exempt a student who exceeds the twenty percent
BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION PLAN limit for reasons considered valid and acceptable to
Learner’s Name the school.
Year/Section 5. Habitual tardiness especially during the first period in
Date the morning and the afternoon shall not be allowed.
Teachers concerned shall call for the parents of the
Case: concerned learners.
Intervention needed:
Given by: C. On Proper Behavior
Duration of Intervention
Learners are expected to behave rightfully at all
Progress Report times, displaying the core values of Maka-Diyos,
Result of the Intervention Maka-Tao, Maka-Kalikasan, and Maka-Bansa. As
If learner does not cooperate or respond with the inter- part of the school community, learners carry the
vention, the consequence/s is/are:
name of the school at all times. Modesty in and out-
side the campus is called for. Learners are expected
to:

1. respect the national flag, national anthem, Maka-

22
 bayan hymns, and other flag rites. All learners
are required to attend flag raising and lowering; Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. “Basic Education
2. observe proper waste disposal and management; Act of 1982”. Accessed August 10, 2020. https://
3. observe proper hygiene and sanitation and refrain tinyurl.com/2p85smer
from urinating in non-designated areas or spit-
Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. “EO No. 13, s2017
ting just anywhere in school premises; – Strengthening the Fight against Illegal Gambling”. Ac-
4. use and handle school properties (e.g. sports cessed August 10, 2020. https://tinyurl.com/mvfmsmnx
equipment, books, computers, etc.) with care;
5. return borrowed books, laboratory equipment, Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. “Anti-Bullying Act
and other property of the school in good condi- of 2013”. Accessed August 10, 2020. https://
tion. In cases where equipment is/are: tinyurl.com/38aesdmj
• Lost/Stolen: Equipment must be replaced.
• Damaged: Equipment must be replaced or Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. “Ecological Solid
repaired. Waste Management Act of 2000”. Accessed August 9,
2020. https://tinyurl.com/5cfnuj4n
• For Books: see (DO 14, s. 2012 and DO 25,
s. 2003) Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. “Official RA 9003
6. refrain from unauthorized occupancy and usage of Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000”. Ac-
the school facilities; cessed August 9, 2020. https://tinyurl.com/2p99amvx/
7. behave accordingly during assemblies and in areas
designated for silence. Shouting or boisterous Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. “RA 9105”. Ac-
laughter and loud conversation, inattention to the cessed August 10, 2020. https://tinyurl.com/2p87emnd
speaker and activity, and similar behavior are not
tolerated; Save The Children’s Resource Centre. “National Baseline Study on
8. report to class with the expected learning materi- Violence against Children: Philippines”. Accessed July 6,
2021. https://tinyurl.com/4snawdkv
als or books.
9. show respect at all times by politely dealing with The LawPhil Project. “RA 9287 – Act Increasing Penalties for Illegal
any school personnel, other learners, and visitors. Games”. Accessed August 10, 2020. https://
Assaulting a teacher, open defiance, insubordina- tinyurl.com/3mjd7j55
tion to school authorities, and discourtesy to-
wards any school personnel and his/her repre-
sentative are not tolerated;
10. respect the privacy of school personnel. Learners
and parents are not allowed to visit any of the
school personnel’s homes without prior appoint-
ment and/or knowledge; directly message any
school personnel about matters not related to
learners’ academic concerns and personal safety;
11. avoid posting, publishing, or making announce-
ments without permission from proper school au-
thorities and erasing what is written on bulletin
23
 REFERENCES boards;
12. refrain from writing on walls, chairs, tables, and
Department of Education. “Child Protection Policy of DepEd”. Ac- other school properties and personal belongings
cessed August 8, 2020. https://tinyurl.com/ytf6x6v6 of schoolmates;
13. avoid bringing/using gadgets such as but not
Department of Education. “D0 11, s2011 Amendment to the 2010 limited to mobile phones, PSP, iPad, music box,
Revised Manual of Regulations for Private School in Basic etc. during class hours or without permission
Education”. Accessed August 8, 2020. https:// from the teacher;
tinyurl.com/2p9n554m
14. never physically, emotionally, or verbally hurt
Department of Education. “DO No. 35, s1993 Allowing Student Ab- other students and school personnel;
sences in Excess of 20% in the Individual Cases in Private 15. refrain from uttering offensive languages towards
School”. Accessed August 7, 2020. https://tinyurl.com/ school personnel, including giving offensive nick-
yckjyfsj names to students and school personnel in any
form such as text messaging, social media, and
Department of Education. “D.O 46 S.2008 Proper School Attire”. Ac- others;
cessed August 7, 2020. https://tinyurl.com/23fynr57 16. refrain from engaging classmates or schoolmates
in sexually provocative acts, including but not
Department of Education. “D0 86, s.2010 – Prohibiting Students in limited to horseplay, flirting, inappropriate touch-
Public and Private Elem & Secondary Schools from Going
ing, and acting in a sexually aggressive manner,
to Computer Shops, Malls, Theatres, and the Likes during
their Class Hours”. Accessed August 7, 2020. https:// making sexual innuendoes, and telling jokes with
tinyurl.com/2p8ar9tv sexual undertones nor bring or watch porno-
graphic materials in school;
Department of Education. “DO 88, s2010 – 2010 Revised Manual of 17. refrain from online or offline bullying, such as
Regulations for Private Schools in Basic Education”. Ac- but not limited to intentionally inflicting physical
cessed August 7, 2020. https://tinyurl.com/5t57mrb5 harm (pull hair, spank, punch, slap, hit, kick,
etc.), slandering, name-calling, catcalling, humili-
Department of Education. “DO 47, s2015 – Inclusion of Acts as Viola- ating, discriminating, pulling out a prank, sexual-
tions to National Examinations” https:// ly offending gestures and words against fellow
tinyurl.com/5n8auyec
students and the like, online or offline;
Department of Health. “RA 8749 Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999”. 18. report incidents of bullying online or offline to the
Accessed August 10, 2020. https:// proper authority. Sharing and posting memes,
tinyurl.com/2p9emd39 photos, scandalous videos, and other similar ma-
terials are not tolerated;
Diloy, Ysrael. Safeguarding in Schools in the New Normal. Philip- 19. avoid leading, instigating, and engaging in fist-
pines: Stairway Foundation Inc., 2020. fighting, brawl, and other similar acts. Threaten-
ing, extorting, and meddling in another’s affairs
National Privacy Commission. “RA 10173 – Data Privacy Act of 2012.” through online or offline platforms;
Accessed August 10, 2020. https://tinyurl.com/4hfdwfee 20. refrain from smoking and drinking within 100
meters of the school perimeter;
21. avoid going to school under the influence of alco-
24
 hol and/or drugs, marijuana, and other similar March to assess Child-Protection programs using a
substances. Bringing, selling, concealing, and School Child Protection Report Card. Results data of
distributing intoxicants, prohibited drugs, tobac- prevention and intervention programs, assessments,
co, and other similar items to school premises is case reports, researches, and feedbacks from stakehold-
strictly prohibited; ers shall be utilized for this activity.
22. refrain from bringing, distributing, concealing,
possessing, and/or showing off any form of por-
nographic materials, condoms, and other similar SECTION XII. Separability Clause.
items in school. Sharing pornographic materials
electronically with schoolmates and school per- If any provision of this policy is held invalid, unconstitu-
sonnel is strictly prohibited; tional, or void, the other provisions not affected thereby shall
23. avoid bringing any form of harmful chemicals remain valid and subsisting.
and injurious/deadly weapon (knife, heavy steel
object, steel pipe, chains, guns, and the like) in-
side the school premises; SECTION XIII. Effectivity
24. be honest enough to return money or any item
found and must not steal or take anything owned This policy will take effect immediately upon the approv-
by the school, personnel, or fellow students. al of the Schools Division Superintendent, after a series of con-
Learners shall not participate as principal, acces- sultations with experts and stakeholders.
sory, or accomplice in the commission of a theft;
25. avoid tampering with school records, forging sig-
natures, falsifying documents, or any other form
of academic dishonesty such as but not limited to
cheating, leakage, and violation of examination
rules;
26. avoid using the name, seal, and uniform of the
school for out-of-school affairs without the official
functions. Creating social media accounts using
the name of the school and school personnel is
strictly prohibited;
27. observe decency and not engage in dating and
public display of affection (PDA) like holding
hands, hugging, kissing, necking, petting, and
fondling in and out of school premises;
28. refrain from gambling of any sort (card games,
cara y cruz, bets, spider fights, etc.);
29. avoid inviting non-learners in school except dur-
ing events and school activities where outsiders
are allowed entry;
30. stay inside the school building and premises be-
25 74
 For violations not stated herein but otherwise stat- fore and after school hours. Learners shall be al-
ed in existing laws of the land, shall be dealt with accord- lowed to enter 1 hour before the first period;
ingly following the existing laws, policies, and regulations 31. refrain from participating in, recruiting for, or or-
that may be applied. ganizing fraternities, gangs, sororities, and other
organizations not duly recognized by the school
authorities:
a. Learners who are of legal age and are already a
Section XI. TRAINING, ADVOCACY, AND
member of recognized fraternities, sororities, and
COMMUNICATION
other organizations, shall disclose their member-
ship and sign an agreement:
• The persons involved in the implementation of this poli-
i. that they are not to recruit anyone from
cy shall be educated on the issue of child abuse, the
the school;
child protection policy, and the proper action to take in
ii. that they are not allowed to organize or
handling such cases through capacity-building semi-
create any organizations not recognized by
nars and trainings twice a year preferably in July and
the school;
December. Informative and updated materials shall be
iii. That they shall not conduct hazing or any
provided by the school.
kind of initiation; and
• The CPC shall conduct information dissemination activi-
iv. That shall they fail to comply with the
ty about the Child Protection Policy to learners, parents,
agreement, they shall be automatically
and other stakeholders at least once a year.
subjected to dismissal or expulsion.
• The committee shall also encourage the learners thru
learner organizations which will help and assist the
Child Protection Committee in the advocacy of child pro-
tection, reporting, and prevention of cases of violence
and abuse against children.
• The school shall also encourage parents’ participation
by engaging them in Child Protection Activities thru the
Parents and Teachers’ Association. Parent-led child pro-
tection activities shall also be encouraged.

Section XII. POLICY REVIEW AND AMENDMENTS

1. This Policy is subject to regular review at least every

three years or earlier if warranted. Proposed changes or
addendum to the school-based Child Protection Policy
shall take effect the following school year upon the ap-
proval of the Division Office and shall be disseminated
to all the concerned stakeholders.
2. The Child Protection Committee shall also convene in

73 26
 • Second Offense – Case conference between the
offender & the CPP Committee except for
SPG/SSG.
• Third Offense – Banning the offender within
school perimeters and reporting to the baran-
gay.

II. Special Activity Guidelines

I.A. Teacher

• First Offense - School Head shall conduct a

dialogue with the offender alone and provide
necessary intervention
• Second Offense - Case conference with the of-
fender, Child Protection Committee (except
SPG/SSG). The offender shall secure a prom-
issory note.
• Third Offense - Case conference with the of-
fender, Child Protection Committee (except
SPG/SSG). Non-participation as chaperone,
coach, trainer, and the like to any outside
school activities. Duration of non-participation
shall depend on the gravity of the offense and
agreement during the case conference.

III. Senior High School Immersion Code of Conduct

• First Offense – Inform the partner institution

of the incident; conduct a case conference
with the offender, partner institution, immer-
sion adviser, and CPC Member.
• Second Offense - Inform the partner institu-
tion of the incident; conduct a case conference
with the offender, partner institution, immer-
sion adviser, and CPC Member. Removal of
the immersion student from the partner insti-
tution.
• Third Offense – Dissolution of Memorandum
of Agreement with the partner institution.

72
 • Psychological First Aid
• Referral to other allied professions and agencies

Sanctions for Non-Compliance of School Personnel/

Parents/ Guests

Sanctions for non-compliance shall cover the offenses in

the code of conduct stated herein or any part of this policy,
as provided. For violations whether stated or not stated or
otherwise stated in existing laws of the land, shall be dealt
with accordingly following the existing laws, policies, and
regulations that may be applied.

I. School Personnel
• First offense - School Head shall conduct a dia-
logue with the offender alone and provide neces-
sary intervention. CODE OF CONDUCT IN DEALING WITH LEARNERS
• Second Offense - Issue Memorandum of Agree-
ment (MOA).
• Third offense - Intervention (Close supervision
and monitoring of the School Head).
• Issue a School Memo to the offender.

I.A Practice Teachers

• First Offense – School Head shall conduct a

dialogue with the offender alone and provide
necessary intervention.
• Second Offense - Inform and/or conduct a di-
alogue with the partner institution and pro-
vide necessary intervention.
• Third Offense- Termination of Memorandum of
Agreement (MOA) between School and Busi-
ness partners

I.B Partners/Guests/Visitors

• First Offense – School Head shall conduct a

dialogue with the offender alone.

71
 The Code of Conduct in dealing with learners is aimed at Implementation of interventions may be done
providing specific guidelines for School Personnel, staff, school by teachers and guidance counselors and implementa-
visitors and guests, and other stakeholders on how to deal with tion of disciplinary sanctions may be taken upon con-
learners to prevent harm or risks to learners. siderate deliberation of the School Discipline Committee,
and/or School Head.
School Personnel to Learners: When dealing with
learners, school personnel shall NOT: No disciplinary action may be taken upon against
1. shout, shame, ridicule, discriminate, use any pro- a student without the knowledge of the parent/
fane and insulting language to learners, such as guardian.
but not limited to “tanga”, “bobo”, “shunga”,
“gago”, “para kang Mangyan” and the likes, that As stated in the Child Protection Policy, school per-
are demeaning to the well-being of the learners. sonnel must enforce positive or non-punitive discipline
2. use sexually suggestive words such as but not when necessary. Punitive measures must always be the
limited to green jokes, remarks such as “Ang laki last resort.
ng dibdib mo!” and other statements with sexual
undertones and innuendos. Due process:
3. smart-shame learners such as using rude and In all cases where intervention and disciplinary
sarcastic remarks like (“Ikaw na ang magaling!”). action such as but not limited to are imposed on the of-
4. ask intrusive or too personal questions except fending student, the following minimum requirements of
during case management and one on one coun- due process shall be complied with:
seling with Guidance Counselor designate and/or a. the student and the parents, guardians shall be
adviser. informed of the complaint in writing;
5. have a private or unobserved conversation or sit- b. the student shall be allowed to answer the com-
uations with learners in an enclosed room/space plaint in writing, with the assistance of the par-
(such as but not limited to one on one tutorials). ents, or guardian;
6. leave learners unattended when handling/ using c. the decision of the school head shall be in writ-
hazardous tools. Learners shall not be asked to ing, stating the facts and reasons; and
bring sharp/pointed and hazardous tools/ chemi- a. the decision of the school head may be appealed
cals to school except for instructional purposes. to the Division Office as provided in existing laws
7. give special favors or special treatment to learners and regulations.
such as but not limited to giving gifts, money,
sharing of load, treating to a lunch/recess, etc. Forms of Interventions
8. initiate gatherings and/or take learners to unoffi- • Case conference with students
cial/unsanctioned outings or gatherings. Teach- • Case conference with parents
ers/Employees may or may not attend parties • Case conference with teachers and parents
where other consenting adults are present. • Needs-based guidance counseling/advising
9. conduct unofficial home visitations and/or • Close monitoring of Attendance and Behavior
conduct home visitations alone. • Behavior Contracting
10. ask or require learners to run personal er- • Home visitation
rands that involve inappropriate physical con- • Psychosocial Activities

29 70
Determination of Intervention or Disciplinary Action tact such as but not limited to asking learners
for a massage, plucking of hair, braiding).
Disciplinary Actions 11. put an arm around a learner’s shoulder or
A. Level I Offenses/Minor Infractions – are those acts touch any parts of the body inappropriately
contrary to the rules and regulations and disruptive that would make the learner feel uncomforta-
in nature although not resulting in physical injury or ble (e.g. rubbing, holding hands, demonstra-
damage to one’s psyche or property. tion, sports practice, dance rehearsals, locking
• First Offense – oral or written reprimand; inter- and unlocking of zippers, buttons, and pants,
vention program, counseling during poop and pee, etc.) under any circum-
• Second offense – case conference with parents, stances.
intervention program 12. give free rides to learners unless otherwise
• Third Offense – disciplinary action by School related by consanguinity or affinity to the
Head and/or school personnel designated by the learner or authorized by the legal guardian
school head who is trained in/who is an advocate and in cases of emergencies.
of positive discipline and intervention agreed up- 13. employ learners. Financial and any form of
on by parent and school. assistance shall be coursed through the offi-
cial school program like adopt-a-student and
B. Level II Offenses/Serious Offenses – are less grave other similar projects.
offenses that result to less serious physical injury or 14. invite or allow learners to visit the house ex-
damage to one’s psyche or property cept during cultural and special celebrations,
•First offense – conference with parents, intervention and as much as possible, with learners’ par-
program ents’/guardians knowledge. However, drinking
•Second offense – disciplinary action agreed upon by liquor/alcoholic beverages with learners is
parent and school strictly prohibited.
15. use terms of endearment such as, but not lim-
C. Level III Offense /Grave Offenses - are offenses ited to, bebe, bhabe, mahal, and the likes.
punishable by suspension or expulsion depending on 16. display confusing concern or affection towards
the seriousness of the offense as stated in Paragraph learners such as but not limited to petting,
1.1.2, Section 1, Chapter III, Part IV of the 2000 DECS holding hands, kissing on the cheeks and ex-
Service Manual cessive hugging, etc.
• First offense - disciplinary action agreed upon by 17. meddle with personal affairs of the learners
parent and school; 3 days suspension by the not related to academic or safety concerns
School Head; suspension beyond 3 days must be (e.g. checking of learner’s cellphone, unofficial
approved by the Schools Division Superintendent; home visits, stalking). Even in the exceptions
and stated, formal processes shall be followed,
• Second Offense – possibility of exclusion and ex- which includes consultation with the guidance
pulsion adhering to the rules and procedures in counselor/teacher and other pertinent school
handling cases stipulated in Child Protection Poli- personnel.
cy. 18. dress inappropriately such as but not limited
to wearing clothes that are too revealing, too
69 30
 tight, and are sexually provocative. (e.g. ex- school personnel or student who witnessed or knows
treme plunging necklines, etc.) about the occurrence of possible violation(s) specified in
19. drink, smoke and gamble in front of learners the Student Code of Conduct. For school personnel who
within school perimeters, or with learners at discovers, witnesses, or is informed of a possible offense,
any time. a situational assessment (See Annex for detailed han-
20. gossip in front of learners. dling of offenses) shall be done.
21. use any instructional materials which contain 2. The said anecdotal report and situational assessment
violence, profanity, and inappropriate sexual shall be communicated to the Adviser(s) of the Respond-
content. ents and the Reporter (in case of the student as a re-
22. watch, access, or bring pornographic materi- porter).
als to the school. 3. A case inquiry for a level 1 offense may not require the
23. lend personal laptop/cellphone to learners. presence of the parents/guardians depending on nature
24. close doors or windows of classrooms during and severity as ascertained by the School Head and/or
school hours or when classrooms are still oc- school personnel designated by the school head who is
cupied by learner/s. trained in/who is an advocate of positive discipline.
25. enter changing rooms or toilets occupied by 4. The Adviser(s) then refer the student(s) (Respondent/
learners. Reporter) for intervention with the Guidance Counselor.
26. give remedial classes/ activities outside of 5. If in cases where it cannot be resolved by the Adviser,
school hours and school premises. the latter reports the case to the School Discipline Of-
27. send sick learners at will and without permis- ficer (SDO).
sion from the school clinic designate. Sick 6. The SDO conducts an unbiased and reliable investiga-
learners must be fetched by parents or legal tion and discusses with the Discipline Committee
guardians from the school. The adviser shall whether such complaint or report is sufficient to war-
document the incident in the students’ anec- rant a formal investigation.
dotal records. 7. In all cases where the complaint or report is found suffi-
28. if parents/guardians are out of reach, the ad- cient, formal charge or charges shall be drawn up and
viser and the school-designated driver shall served upon each respondent. All persons involved shall
send the learner home. If in need of medical be notified (see Annex for the Notice Form)
attention, the learner must be brought to the 8. Each respondent shall be given the notice to explain.
nearest hospital. Advisers shall notify the par- Failure/refusal to respond to the notice to explain does
ents/guardian immediately. not constitute to waiving one's right to due process. A
29. display excessive affection with a partner in formal investigation shall be held on notice as provided.
front of learners or within school perimeters at 9. If found reliable on the alleged violation(s), parent(s) of
any time. the respondent(s) will be notified of the schedule and
30. use inappropriate/obscene words in public discuss the commensurate disciplinary measure.
and within school premises at any time (e.g. 10. Referral to the Guidance Counselor shall be made for
cursing, swearing, etc.) the intervention program.
11. Case conferences between respondent(s), victim(s), Child
Practice Teachers/ Immersion Students to Learners: Protection Committee, shall be conducted in cases
When dealing with learners, practice teachers/ immersion where learners are to be suspended and may possibly be
31 68
The Class Adviser students/ job orders shall follow the code of conduct set for
• Keep a complete student directory particularly the teachers/employees to students. In addition, they shall
address and contact number of the parents or guard- NOT:
ian; 1. engage in any physical or verbal fight with learn-
• Serve as liaison between the school and the parents ers and other employees while in service.
or guardians; 2. form any romantic relationship with learners and
• Write letters to call the attention of parents or guard- other employees while in service.
ians for a case conference;
• Prepare the anecdotal report and safeguard the con- Parents/ Guests/ Visitors: When visiting a school, visi-
fidentiality; tors, parents, and other guests such as but not limited to
• Engage in the case conference, intervention plan- construction workers, peddlers, etc., shall:
ning, and implementation; and
• Closely monitor student behavior and feedback such 1. present a valid ID to the security guard and wear
to the appropriate school authority. visitor’s badge while in the school premises and
then sign in the logbook before proceeding to the
The Child Protection Officer is a teaching personnel des- office concerned. Transaction slip must be filled
ignated by the school head to carry out programs for pro- out and signed by a security guard upon entering
moting and maintaining behavior in the school. He/she and returned to the latter upon exiting. It must
shall: also be signed by the concerned office once the
• Conduct orientation to students and parents re: transaction is completed. In cases of schools with
school rules and discipline policies no security guards, visitors must proceed to the
• Investigate cases of violation of the Code of Conduct designated receiving area (e.g. Principal’s Office,
and propose intervention or recommend proper ac- Guidance Office, Faculty room).
tion 2. wear IDs inside school premises and must only
• Secure records with confidentiality stay within school premises during recess as per
• Serve as the mediator between the offender and the authorized vendors/peddlers.
aggrieved party 3. remind that designated areas for visitors are post-
• Refer cases to the School Head or Guidance Counse- ed by the gate. Only enter school premises on offi-
lor as needed cial business/ appointment. No official business,
no entry.
Child Protection Committee is composed of a Chairper-
son and a pool of members, drawn from the faculty. The Observe the following dress code:
composition of the Child Protection Committee is constitut- a. wearing sando and shorts are not allowed for
ed by the School Head at the beginning of the school year. men (except for IPs);
b. wearing a sleeveless, tube top, shorts, and
Procedures on Handling Infractions of the Code of other revealing clothes for women is not al-
Conduct lowed (except for IPs);
c. construction workers and other part-time
1. Anecdotal Report (see Annex) shall be filled out by any workers shall be oriented on proper decorum
inside school premises which includes, but is
67 32
 not limited to, dress code, smoking, how to 3. Using the name, seal, and • Batas Pambansa 232 – Ed-
interact with students, and other possible uniform of the school for ucation Act of 1982
misdemeanors. out of school affairs with- (Chapter 3, Sec 15)

4. not loiter around the school perimeters and are not out the official functions
allowed to enter classrooms. They shall stay in the des-
4. Fighting, threatening, extor- • Paragraph 1.1.2, Section 1,
ignated area for visitors.
tion, meddling in another’s Chapter III, Part IV of the
5. not be allowed to talk and take students outside of
affairs through the online 2000 DECS Service Manual
school premises during class hours without the advis-
• DO 40, s. 2012 –DepEd
er’s knowledge and permission. They shall course their or offline platform Child Protection Policy
concern to the school authority at all times to be guided
accordingly.
6. submit themselves, vehicles, and belongings for secu- 5. Instigating, leading, or en- • Paragraph 1.1.2, Section 1,
rity checks before entering school premises. gaging in a fight, brawl, or Chapter III, Part IV of the
7. not be allowed to enter if parents and private vehicles disorder 2000 DECS Service Manual
have no official business in the school are not allowed • DO 40, s. 2012 –DepEd
entry. Child Protection Policy
8. park vehicles used by employees, guests, guests, stu- 6. Smoking or possessing to- • DO 40, s. 2012 –DepEd
dents in the designated area. bacco products or para- Child Protection Policy
9. not be allowed to enter school perimeters when they phernalia inside the school • Paragraph 1.1.2, Section 1,
are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If the visitor premises Chapter III, Part IV of the
insisted, the incident shall be reported immediately to 2000 DECS Service Manual
authorities (e.g. barangay officials, Police). • DO 48, s. 2016 – Policy and
10. observe proper decorum. Shouting, using foul Guidelines on Comprehen-
words, fighting, smoking, gambling, attacking learners sive Tobacco Control
and employees, and creating a scenario that may cause • RA 9211 – Tobacco Regula-
harm and traumatic experience to the school communi- tion Act of 2003
ty shall not be tolerated. • RA 8749 Philippine Clean
11. not have any private and unobserved conversation Air Act of 1999 (Sec.24)
with learners at any time.
12. not be allowed to take pictures within school prem- 7. Coming to school intoxicat- • DO 40, s. 2012 –DepEd
ises except during school programs or events. ed or bringing intoxicants Child Protection Policy
13. ensure the safety of students in school events where • Paragraph 1.1.2, Section 1,
and liquor in school
visitors and guests are allowed to watch, school admin- Chapter III, Part IV of the
istrators shall coordinate with barangay officials and 2000 DECS Service Manual
ask for assistance from Police officers if needed. • DO 13, S. 2017 – Policy
14. stay at the designated waiting area when sending and Guidelines on Healthy
and fetching learners from school. Food and Beverage Choices
15. not act in any other way which shall disrupt the in Schools and in DepEd
overall peace of the school premises. Offices
33 66
 • RA 9995 (Anti-Photo and
Video Voyeurism Act of
2009)

12. Using any electronic com- • DO 83, s. 2003 – Reiteration

munication devices (ECDs) to DECS Orders Nos. 70, s.
or gadgets like mobile 1999 and 26, s. 2000 (
Prohibiting Students of Ele-
phones, i-pad, PSP, and the mentary and Secondary
like, during class hours or Schools from Using Cellular
without the teacher’s per- and Pagers during Class
mission. Hours

Level III Offense /Grave Offenses - are offenses punishable

by suspension or expulsion depending on the seriousness of
the offense as stated in Paragraph 1.1.2, Section 1, Chapter III, SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY
Part IV of the 2000 DECS Service Manual.

• First offense - disciplinary action agreed upon by parent

and school; 3 days suspension by the School Head
• Second Offense – possibility of exclusion and expulsion
adhering to the rules and procedures in handling cases
stipulated in Child Protection Policy

1. Assaulting a teacher or any • Paragraph 1.1.2, Section 1,

other school authority or Chapter III, Part IV of the
his agents or students 2000 DECS Service Manual
• Batas Pambansa 232 – Ed-
online or offline. ucation Act of 1982
(Chapter 3, Sec 15)

2. Insubordination or open de- • Paragraph 1.1.2, Section 1,

fiance of school authorities, Chapter III, Part IV of the
discourtesy towards the 2000 DECS Service Manual
• Batas Pambansa 232 – Ed-
teacher and school authori- ucation Act of 1982
ty, or his representative (Chapter 3, Sec 15)

65
 To prevent violence against children in the online platform, 6. Joking irresponsibly that • DO 40, s. 2012 –DepEd
the Department of Education sets Social Media Guidelines to might hurt or offend others Child Protection Policy
be observed by all school personnel as they deal with the learn- online or offline (bullying) • RA 10627 – Anti-Bullying
ers in the social media context. Adherence to these guidelines Act of 2013
shall be strictly monitored by the School Head.
7. Using profane/improper • DO 40, s. 2012 –DepEd
This policy provides safeguarding guidelines on the us- language to insult another, Child Protection Policy
age of social media as means in disseminating information. cursing, voyeurism, or any • RA 10627 – Anti-Bullying
Act of 2013
act disrespectful or dehu-
Key risk areas to be considered: manizing to others online
• Potential grooming between school personnel and
students via messaging apps; or offline. (bullying)
• Inappropriate or unsafe interaction online; 8. Entering the school premis- • Batas Pambansa 232 – Ed-
• Role modeling concerns for teacher and personnel; es through an unauthor- ucation Act of 1982
• Learner’s online conduct; and (Chapter 3, Sec 15)
ized point or place of entry
• Mismanagement of official school social media pres-
ence leading to child protection concerns. such as jumping over the
fence or going home with-
Management of School Social Media Pages out permission from the
1. The school shall ensure that it follows the social media school authority.
platform’s policies on the creation of “organizational so-
cial media pages” (e.g. For Facebook, organizations shall 9. Writing on walls, chairs, ta- • Paragraph 1.1.2, Section 1,
create a social media PAGE, instead of an individual so- bles, books owned by oth- Chapter III, Part IV of the
cial media account bearing the name of the school). ers (vandalism ) 2000 DECS Service Manual
2. The format for a school social media page shall include
the School’s complete and official name, school ID num- 10. Deliberately destroying • Paragraph 1.1.2, Section 1,
ber, as well as Standard Code of the Schools Division Of- school properties such as Chapter III, Part IV of the
fice. 2000 DECS Service Manual
3. To maintain the security and integrity of any social me- books, chairs, windows,
dia page, the School Information Technology Officer/ tables, etc.
Coordinator or a designated Social Media Manager shall
maintain the page and ensure the use of the necessary 11. Bringing, possessing and/ • Paragraph 1.1.2, Section 1,
privacy and security functionalities such as the use of or showing off any form of Chapter III, Part IV of the
two (2) factor authentications, etc. 2000 DECS Service Manual
pornographic materials in
4. A maximum of three (3) administrator/s or social media • RA 9775 (Anti-Child Por-
manager/s shall be appointed by the Head of Office to school nography Act of 2009)
facilitate the flow of information in the social media page • RA10175
or group. (Cybercrime Prevention Act
5. Administrator/s or Social Media Manager/s must be of 2012)
aware of basic netiquette concerning the Code of Con-
35 64
Level II Offenses/Serious Offenses – are less grave offenses duct of Government Officers when dealing with stake-
that result to less serious physical injury or damage to one’s holders through social media platforms. Utmost profes-
psyche or property. sionalism is expected when replying to posts or messag-
es on the school page.
• First offense – conference with parents, intervention pro- 6. Administrator/s or Social Media Manager/s shall not be
gram allowed to delete any messages on the social media page
• Second offense – disciplinary action agreed upon by parent unless directed by the Head of Office or the latter’s au-
and school. thorized representative.
1. Academic dishonesty • RA 9155 – Governance of 7. Administrator/s or Social Media Manager/s shall ensure
Basic Education Act of the privacy and security of any person that forwards any
2001 private message and relay the same to the Head of Of-
• Batas Pambansa 232 – Ed- fice.
ucation Act of 1982 8. Only official announcements/statements, news, verified
(Chapter 3, Sec 15.2) information, and other authorized information from the
School, Division, Regional, or Central Office of the De-
2. Gambling of any sort • Paragraph 1.1.2, Section 1, partment, or from other government agencies are al-
Chapter III, Part IV of the lowed to be posted on the said page.
2000 DECS Service Manual 9. Images of learners to be shared in social media shall al-
so follow securing of consent from learners and their
• EO No.13, S. 2017 – guardians, as well as ensuring that images of learners
Strengthening the Fight are child safe.
Against Illegal Gambling 10. The sharing of unofficial information, templates, and
other resources, as well as advertising of any merchan-
• RA 9287 – Act Increasing
dise or services shall not be allowed on the social media
the Penalties for Illegal
page.
Numbers Games
11. In cases where the official social media page of the
3. Forging of parent’s signa- • Batas Pambansa 232 – Ed- school, division, or region receives a child protection
ture ucation Act of 1982 concern report, either via private message or comment,
(Chapter 3, Sec 15) the page administrators shall ensure that the report
shall be preserved (no deletion, only screenshot and
4. Violation of or conniving • DO 47, S. 2015 – Inclusion hide comment), and shall be properly forwarded to the
with others to violate exam- of Acts as Violations to Na- school’s Child Protection Committee within 24 hours
ination rules tional Examinations upon receipt of the report.

5. Dating and public display of • Batas Pambansa 232 – Ed- School Personnel Role Modeling: School personnel are ex-
affection (PDA) like holding ucation Act of 1982 pected to:
hands, hugging, kissing, (Chapter 3, Sec 15) 1. not post and comment on social media that are unbe-
necking, petting, and fon- coming of a teacher/employee of the Department of Ed-
ucation (e.g. sexually provocative, culturally offensive,
dling in school premises hurtful and foul posts, drinking, smoking, gambling,
63 36
 and the likes). 13. Habitual/intentional re- • RA 10533 – Basic Educa-
2. not engage with learners on social media (e.g. SMS, Fa- porting to class without tion Act
cebook, Instagram) on a personal level. (e.g. flirting, learning materials or books
talking about personal problems).
a. Use group chats, Facebook pages for academic
14. Failure to return borrowed • RA 9155 – Governance of
and emergency purposes only.
materials after repeated re- Basic Education Act of
b. Authorize group chats, pages, and other social
minders/notifications 2001
media platforms to be used by the school admin-
istrator, otherwise, teachers/employees shall be
personally liable for these platforms where learn- 15. Unauthorized occupancy • Educational Facilities Man-
ers are involved. and usage of the school fa- ual 2010
3. not post on any social media platforms involving cases of cilities
learners, grievances against other teachers and employ-
ees. 16. Urinating in non- • RA 8749 Philippine Clean
4. not share unverified information. designated areas Air Act of 1999
5. make use of privacy settings to protect their identity and
personal information. • RA 9003 Ecological Solid
6. not accept, add, follow social media accounts of any Waste Management Act of
learners, unless otherwise, related by consanguinity or 2000
affinity.
7. not post nor share photos of learners without consent 17. Vulgarity such as but not • RA 11313, Section 11: Safe
from the learner and parent or guardian. limited to bringing and Spaces Act
showing condoms in pub-
Students Online Code of Conduct
Responsible use of social media shall be inculcated to all lic, profanity, etc.
students. As such, they are expected to;
1. not post and comment on social media that are unbe-
coming of a learner, such as but not limited to smoking,
drinking, bullying, showing violence, sexually provoca-
tive photos, etc.
2. respect the privacy of school personnel and not send any
private messages unless otherwise, it is a matter of per-
sonal safety.
3. respect the online community and refrain from posting,
sharing photos, texts, videos that are demeaning to any
person.
4. not create any pages, accounts, and others under the
name of the school and another person.
Other provisions that may not be stated herein, but

37 62
7. Wearing of earrings for male • Paragraph 1.1.2, Section 1, otherwise stated in RA 9775 (Anti-Child Pornography Act
students and more than a pair Chapter III, Part IV of the of 2009), RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012),
of earrings for females 2000 DECS Service Manual RA 10173 (Data Privacy Act of 2012), and any other re-
• DO 46, s. 2008 – Proper lated laws, shall apply.
School Attire

8. Outlandish hairstyles, hair • Paragraph 1.1.2, Section 1,

dye, painting/sporting a Chapter III, Part IV of the
tattoo, uncut nails, over 2000 DECS Service Manual
• DO 46, s. 2008 – Proper
accessories, and body
School Attire
piercing

9. Disrespect to the national • RA 8491 – Flag and Heral-

flag, singing of the national dic Code of the Philippines
anthem and Makabayan • Paragraph 1.1.2, Section 1,
hymns, and other flag rites Chapter III, Part IV of the
2000 DECS Service Manual

10. Loud conversation and • Batas Pambansa 232 - Ed-

boisterous laughter during ucation Act of 1982
class hours, assemblies, or (Chapter 3, Sec 15)
in areas designated for si-
lence

11. Malicious or intentional • Batas Pambansa 232 - Ed-

omission of assigned tasks, ucation Act of 1982
duties, or responsibilities (Chapter 3, Sec 15)

12. Posting, publishing, or • Data Privacy Act of 2012

making announcements
without permission from
proper school authorities
and erasing what is written
on bulletin boards

61 38
 Secondary Schools from Going
to Computer Shops, Malls,
Theaters, and the Likes during
their Class Hours
4. Leaving classroom without • Batas Pambansa 232 - Ed-
the permission of the ucation Act of 1982
teacher and loitering dur- (Chapter 3, Sec 15)
ing class hours

5. Destroying plants, littering • RA 9003 -Ecological Solid

in the vicinity of the cam- Waste Management Act of
pus, and improper waste 2000
• RA 8749 Philippine Clean
segregation and improper Air Act of 1999
use of trash bins • RA 9003 Ecological Solid
Waste Management Act of
2000

6. Bringing/inviting friends/ • Batas Pambansa 232 - Ed-

outsiders to loiter around ucation Act of 1982
the school especially during (Chapter 3, Sec 15)
• DO 11, s. 2011 – Amend-
class hours ments to the 2010 Revised
Manual of Regulations for
Private Schools in Basic
Education (Sec 159)

7. Spitting anywhere within • RA 8749 Philippine Clean

school grounds and prem- Air Act of 1999
ises • RA 9003 Ecological Solid
Waste Management Act of
2000

8. Incurring ten consecutive • DO 88, s. 2010 - Revised

absences and habitual tar- Manual of Regulations for
diness without valid rea- Private Schools in Basic
Education (Sec 133, 157)

60
 Section X. SANCTIONS FOR NON-COMPLIANCE
Sanctions for Non-Compliance on Students’
Code of Conduct

Level I Offenses/Minor Infractions – are those acts contrary

to the rules and regulations and disruptive although not re-
sulting to physical injury or damage to one’s psyche or proper-
ty.

• First Offense – oral or written reprimand; intervention pro-

gram, counseling

• Second Offense – case conference with parents, interven-

tion program
SAFE MANAGEMENT OF
• Third Offense – disciplinary action by Discipline Commit- ACTIVITIES INVOLVING CHILDREN
tee and intervention agreed upon by parent and school, re-
ferral

OFFENSES LEGAL BASIS

1. Failure to wear prescribed • Paragraph 1.1.2, Section 1,
school attire and ID or vio- Chapter III, Part IV of the
lation of the dress code 2000 DECS Service Manual
• DO 46, s. 2008 – Proper
School Attire

2. Absenteeism and tardiness • DO 88, s. 2010 – Revised

Manual of Regulations for
Private Schools in Basic
Education (Sec 133, 157)
• PD No. 798 Authorizing the
Confinement in Rehabilita-
tion of Truants for No Legit-
imate Reason
3. Cutting classes such as but • DO 86, s. 2010 – Prohibit-
not limited to going to com- ing Students in Public and
puter shops, recreational Private Elementary and

59
 Special Activity Guidelines to be followed during activities DO No. 55 s. 2013, DO No. 18 s 2015, and other pertinent
involving learners are provided to ensure that safe activity laws as may be applied.
management protocols are installed and strictly observed.

In cases where learners are attending activities outside F. Confidentiality

of school teachers/employees shall: i. School Personnel shall manage sensitive information
in a manner that is professional, respectful and com-
1. ensure that there are available medical staff during the plies with the existing laws and issuances. All infor-
event and are accessible at all times; health and first aid mation about any suspected or reported incidents
kits are readily available; facilities and equipment are must be kept strictly confidential and must divulge
safe and free from hazard. only that information to those who are directly in-
2. not have a private or unobserved conversation with volved in the investigation, except as may be re-
learners such as but not limited to (one on one coach- quired by law.
ing, training, etc.)
3. not travel with learners alone or with no chaperon. ii. It is of utmost importance that in all cases of vio-
4. not allow non-participants, visitors, parents, guests in- lence against children, the learner’s identity or any
side the learner’s quarters. A designated area shall be information that may reasonably identify the learner,
assigned for them. offender or victim shall be withheld to protect his or
5. provide IDs and ensure that learners wear them at all her privacy, in adherence to DO No. 40 s. 2012.
times.
6. ensure that the venue is away from armed conflicts, iii. Only the concerned school personnel shall be in-
bars, clubs where learners may be exposed to danger, formed about the case and will only be discussed in
trafficking, and other untoward incidents. a professional context to respond to the case or ad-
7. ensure that vehicles: dress the concern.
8. are properly checked for safety before leaving school;
iv. The rights of teachers who are being charged with a
9. are driven by someone with a valid professional driver’s
violation shall be protected and no publicity will be
license and the driver is not under the influence of alco-
given to any disciplinary action against a teacher
hol or drugs;
during the pendency of his or her case, in adherence
10. follow the speed limit set by the Land Transportation
to RA 4670.
office; and
11. are not overloaded with passengers.
12. shall always occupy the front passenger seat of the vehi-
cle, ensuring no learner occupies this space.
13. conduct orientation with parents, learners, and other
personnel involved before the event.
14. not allow learners to wander or loiter around the venue
without the company of a teacher/adviser.
15. report untoward incidents immediately to the person in
authority.
16. endorse learners to parents or guardians after the

41 58
 • Communicate with the child in a manner that is ap- In cases where learners are attending activities
propriate to their age, understanding, and prefer- outside the school premises and stay-in, all concerned
ences. individuals, groups or offices shall observe the follow-
• Do not ask the child to repeat to another staff or per- ing:
son what he or she has told you. 1. Pre-Activity Protocol
• Let the child know what is going to happen.
• Do not investigate or interrogate. Do not ask leading a. Students shall secure consent forms signed by their
questions. Leading questions are questions that parents or guardian. No consent form, no travel or
prompt or encourage the desired answer. (e.g. Did he participation.
touch you? Did he kiss you?) Let the child explain in b. Persons-in-charge shall inspect venues in advance,
his or her own words. to ensure that the venue is safe and conducive (such
• One may make very brief notes but inform the child as but not limited to, properly ventilated; sanitized;
of the need to do so. secured quarters/sleeping are; with functional com-
• Report and refer immediately following the existing fort rooms; potable water supply
guidelines on reporting child protection cases. c. Organizers shall ensure that the venue:
• After reporting, maintaining a supportive presence i. is away from areas with armed conflicts and must
for the child is important. coordinate with proper authority such as but not
• The case shall not be discussed with anyone outside limited to Police Officers, Hospitals, BFP,
the child protection team. MDRRM, and barangay officials of the venue;
• Remember that anyone, especially an educator who ii. is away from bars, clubs, and the likes; and
iii. has sanitary permits for food stalls.
reports in “good faith” is protected from civil liability.
d. Organizers shall conduct orientation on Code of Con-
duct such as but not limited to house rules, safety
D. Discipline and Intervention
precautions, sleeping arrangements, and other ex-
i. The school personnel shall practice and promote pectations. Organizers, students, parents, drivers,
positive discipline. Punitive measures shall always be and other participants are required to attend.
the last resort. The best interest of the child shall al- e. Learners shall have insurance.
ways be considered in the process of providing disci- i. Parents shall be encouraged to get insurance for
pline and intervention. their learners.
ii. Non-violent mode of interventions shall be provided ii. The school shall assist parents and students in
to learners relative to the behavior to be addressed. acquiring insurance (e.g. Red Cross).
Parents may also be engaged in the intervention pro- f. Designated drivers shall be screened accordingly and
grams as determined by the Child Protection Com- be required to present valid Professional Driver’s Li-
mittee. Intervention programs shall also be moni- censes by the organizers.
tored and documented. g. Vehicles to be used shall be validated
h. Organizers shall designate enough medical staff ac-
E. Record Keeping. Record-keeping of all child protection cording to the number of students.
reports and pertinent documents shall strictly follow the i. Organizers shall provide identification cards to all stu-
dents which include emergency contact numbers that
provided regulations as stipulated in DO No. 40 s. 2012,

57 42
 shall be worn at all times. cern.
j. Organizers shall ensure that the activities and the ma-
terials to be used are safe before and after use.
C. Guidelines in Handling Disclosures
2. Travel Guidelines
It is imperative that disclosures must be handled care-
a. The number of students in the vehicle shall be ac-
fully by any school authority to whom a learner who has
cording to its capacity and students shall be accom-
suffered violence has sought assistance, in order to avoid
panied by assigned teachers/advisers.
any unpleasant approach or behavior that could harm the
b. The driver of the vehicle shall strictly follow the safe
child.
speed limit (60kph) prescribed by the Land Transpor-
tation Office. • Project a calm, natural, understanding, and support-
c. Students shall maintain orderliness and refrain from ive attitude. Do not panic or show any sign of dis-
playing inside the vehicle while traveling. gust, anger, or disbelief.
d. The vehicle shall strictly follow the itinerary set by the • Provide a safe and private place. Ensure that the
organizers. space is free from harmful objects or substances.
e. The vehicle shall have medical first aid kits and the • Do not judge, blame, warn, threaten or deny the feel-
teacher-in-charge is equipped with basic knowledge ing of the victim. Reassure the child that it is not his
on first aid. or her fault. Don’t ask questions or respond in man-
f. In cases of vehicles provided by: ners like “It’s because you were out at night!” “It’s be-
i. Local government unit: Organizers shall ensure cause you were wearing short shorts!” “Do you know
that vehicles and drivers are properly checked/ what will happen to you if you report this?”
screened for safety measures. Drivers must have • Do not make promises that you cannot keep – never
a valid Driver’s Professional License. agree to keep secrets. You must report the concern.
ii. Public transport: Organizers shall accompany • Let the child know that you must tell the authorities
students when commuting and riding vehicles to get help, but you will tell only those who need to
that are safe and are authorized by the Land know and each of them will keep his/her story confi-
Transportation Office to provide public transport dential.
services.  If the perpetrator is the parent, the case shall
iii. Private vehicles: Organizers shall ensure the safe- be disclosed to the non-offending parent or
ty of the vehicle to be used and shall include doc- closest relative (adult).
umentation. Designated drivers shall be screened • Do not try to contact, confront or judge the offender.
and present valid professional driver’s license.
• Do not pressure the child to talk, allow him or her to
disclose at his or her language and pace.
3. During the Activity Protocol
• Listen attentively and patiently to what the child has
a. Students are not allowed to wander without the com-
to say and give him or her the opportunity.
pany of teachers/advisers.
• Accept and believe what the child says without judg-
b. Male and Female students shall stay separately with-
ment. Refrain from giving statements or questions
in their quarters on designated schedules; seek per-
like “Is that really true? Are you sure? Are you not im-
mission from teachers/advisers.
agining? Are you sure you are not making this up?”
c. Organizers shall ensure that quarters:
43 56
 2. The bullying incident or retaliation shall be im- i.are safe from outsiders;
mediately reported to the school head. The desig- ii.have secured locks; and
nated school personnel shall fill out the Intake iii.are well lit (lights must be on at night).
Sheet as provided in DepEd Order No. 40. S. d. Organizers shall ensure that quarters and sleeping
2012. The school head or the designated school arrangements are organized. Teachers/Advisers shall
personnel shall inform the parents or guardian of have separate sleeping quarters but close enough to
the victim and the bully about the incident. students’ quarters.
3. If an incident of bullying or retaliation involves e. Teachers/ Advisers shall conduct round-the-clock,
students from more than one school, the school spot-checking or headcount.
that was first informed of the bullying or retalia- f. Medical staff shall be available and are accessible at
tion shall promptly notify the appropriate admin- all times.
istrator or school head of the other school so that g. Visitors are not allowed at the sleeping quarters. A
both schools may take appropriate action. designated visiting area shall be assigned by the
4. Reports of incidents of bullying or retaliation initi- teachers/advisers.
ated by persons who prefer anonymity shall be h. Drinking, smoking, gambling, and other activities un-
entertained, and the person who reported the in- becoming of a teacher are strictly not allowed during
cident shall be afforded protection from possible the entirety of the event or activity.
retaliation; provided, however, that no discipli- i. Any untoward incidents shall be reported immediately
nary administrative action shall be taken against to persons in charge.
an alleged bully or offending student solely based
on an anonymous report and without any other For instances of:
evidence. i. Injury, accident, health hazard and the likes – Med-
ical Staff
If the bullying incident or retaliation resulted in ii. emotional, mental, and psychological breakdown –
serious physical injuries or death, the case shall be Guidance Counselor Designate
dealt with in accordance with the provisions of Re- iii.other untoward incidents – teacher/Adviser
public Act 9344 or the “Juvenile Justice and Welfare iv. Persons-in-charge shall act according to what is
Act,” as amended, and its Implementing Rules and required and according to the call of duty.
Regulations, in connection with other applicable
laws, as may be warranted by the circumstances at-
tendant to the bullying incident.

iii. Procedures in the management of cases of Children

At-Risk (CAR) and Children In Conflict with the Law
(CICL) shall follow procedures as stated in Rule VIII
of DO No. 18 s. 2015. (See Annex)
iv. It is also imperative that fairness and confidentiality
principles will be strictly observed. A safe, secure,
and private space shall be provided for case inquiry
or investigation of any child protection case or con-
55 44
 CODE OF CONDUCT FOR SENIOR incidents in the school.
HIGH SCHOOL IMMERSION PROGRAM 1. Jurisdiction: Complaints of bullying shall be
within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Division
SHS Immersion Guidelines are hereby set to provide specif- and/or school and shall not be brought for ami-
ic measures on expected behaviors for learners, immersion co- cable settlement before the Barangay, subject to
ordinator, and immersion partner, to protect the rights and existing laws, rules, and regulations. Complaints
welfare of learners. about acts covered by other laws shall be referred
to the appropriate authorities.
Grade 12 students are required to complete hours of im- 2. Procedure: Public schools shall adopt the follow-
mersion program outside of the school. Thus, teachers/ ing procedures:
employees and immersion partners shall agree and observe the Immediate Responses:
following: a. The victim or anyone who witnesses or has
personal knowledge of a bullying incident or
A. Selection of Industry Partners and Pre-Deployment Pro-
retaliation shall immediately call the attention
tocol
of any school personnel.
1. Integrity of the establishment. b. The school personnel who was notified of a
a. The establishment must have a license to operate. bullying incident or retaliation shall intervene,
b. Employees must have no criminal record. by:
2. Safety Requirements i. Stopping the bullying or retaliation imme-
a. The establishment shall have an evacuation plan diately;
b. The establishment shall have entrance and exit (in ii. Separating the students involved;
case of emergency) iii. Removing the victim or, in appropriate cas-
c. The establishment shall have a permit from the Bu- es, the bully of the offending student, from
reau of Fire, Department of Health and Sanitation the site;
d. The establishment shall have emergency hotlines iv. Ensuring the victim’s safety, by:
(PNP, BFP, MDRRM, BLGU, MLGU, DSWD) readily 1. Determining and addressing the vic-
available tim’s immediate safety needs; and
e. The establishment shall have a clinic, clinic person- 2. Ensuring medical attention, if need-
nel, and First Aid Kits. ed, and securing a medical certifi-
3. Location of the immersion partner from school. cate, in cases of physical injury.
c. Must be within the province except for unavailability v. Bringing the bully to the Guidance Office or
of partners in the locality. the designated school personnel.
d. Accessible to all forms of transportation Reporting the Bullying Incident or Retaliation:
e. Free from armed conflict and away from clubs, bars 1. A victim or a bystander, or a school personnel
where learners may be exposed to a threat, traffick- who receives information of a bullying incident or
ing, and the likes. retaliation, or any person, who witnesses or has
4. Absorptive capacity. personal knowledge of any incident of bullying or
a. Must have a 1:10 ratio of staff to immersion students. retaliation, shall report the same to the teacher,
b. Shall have sufficient staff capable of handling immer- or guidance coordinator, or counselor or any per-
son designated to handle bullying incidents.
45 54
 a. The full name and address of the com- sion students.
plainant; 5. Code of ethics:
b. The full name, address, and the position of a. Immersion partners must have a Code of Conduct
the respondent; known to the school and that students must be ori-
c. A brief statement of the relevant facts; ented.
d. Evidence, in support of the complainant, if b. In cases where the immersion partner does not have
any; one, the code of conduct of the school may be ap-
e. A certification of non-forum shopping. plied in agreement with the immersion partner which
5.1. The complainant shall be referred to the shall be stated in the Memorandum of Agreement.
Committee on Decorum and Investigation. Up-
on receipt of the complaint, the Committee B. Orientation
shall require the person complained of to sub- 1. Orientation must be conducted for students and parents
mit his or her Counter-affidavit/Comment, where clearances, medical certificates and other docu-
which shall be under oath, not later than ments shall be discussed, including but not limited to
three (3) days from receipt of the notice, fur- immersion policies, guidelines, and code of ethics.
nishing the complainant a copy thereof, other- 2. Parents shall be oriented on the following:
wise, the Counter-Affidavit or Comment shall a. Parental consent
be considered as not filed. b. Transportation
5.2. The procedure for the conduct of an investi- c. Parents may have the option to choose any means of
gation and all other related incidents, shall be transportation (i.e. tricycle, jeepney, motorcycle, van,
in accordance with the rules under Resolution multicab) at their own expense and ensure the safety
No. 01-0940 of the Civil Service Commission; of students when going and coming from immersion.
Provided, that, if the respondent is a teacher, d. Parents shall shoulder the travel expenses
the composition of the Formal Investigating 3. Selection of boarding house/lodging house (dorms)
Committee shall be under the Section 9 of RA Presence of safety measures such as but not limited to:
4670. a. evacuation plan
6. The Schools Division Superintendent shall periodi- b. entrance and exit (in case of emergency)
cally monitor and keep a record of all reported c. permit from Bureau of Fire, Department of Health
child abuse cases, and submit a final consolidat- and Sanitation
ed regional report to the Office of the Regional Di- d. presence of emergency hotlines (PNP, BFP, MDRRM,
rector. BLGU, MLGU, DSWD)
7. Failure to submit an incident report or to render a e. warning device (i.e. buzzer)
decision involving the case within the prescribed 4. Visits and visiting hours
period, without justifiable cause, shall be a a. Only the designated immersion teacher, guidance
ground for administrative action for neglect of du- counselor, parents, and school head are allowed to
ty against the responsible official. visit on a schedule.
b. No private or unobserved conversation with students
ii. The following procedures as stated in Section X of when visiting.
DepEd order 55s. 2013, shall be observed in re- c. Visitor’s area must be designated.
sponding, investigating, and reporting bullying
53 46
 d. The mechanism for informing the boarding house own- trative Cases. Pending investigation, upon referral
ers when leaving the house during free hours must be of the School Principal or Guidance Counselor/
observed. Teacher, the Local Social Welfare and Develop-
ment Officer (LSWDO) of the concerned local gov-
C. Deployment Protocol ernment unit shall assess the child and provide
psychosocial intervention to help the child victim
Before learners are deployed to respective industry part- recover from whatever trauma he or she has ex-
ners, teachers/immersion advisers shall: perienced as a result of the abuse. The offender
1. properly endorse learners to immersion partners. shall likewise undergo psychosocial intervention
2. attend orientation of industry partners to students and if such is warranted.
staff on the following: a. If a prima facie case exists based on the
a. Code of conduct for employees; Investigation Report and the records, a
b. Work immersion policies/guidelines by the indus- Formal Charge shall be issued by the Dis-
try partners; and ciplining Authority, which may be the ba-
c. The use of facilities including the materials and sis for the issuance of an Order of Preven-
equipment. tive Suspension or as an alternative, reas-
3. ensure that immersion students follow the tipping policy signment of the offending party, as may be
set by the partner institution thus, they are not allowed warranted. The respondent may be placed
to accept personal tips from customers. under preventive suspension pending in-
4. ensure that students are only assigned with prescribed vestigation, for ninety (90) days, if the inju-
immersion activities that will develop the skills required ry or abuse committed against a child is so
during the immersion period. grave as to render the child unable to at-
5. not allow students to extend favors like buying and pre- tend his or her classes. The respondent
paring snacks, doing laundry activities and jobs outside may also be preventively suspended to pre-
the immersion program of activities. clude the possibility of influencing or in-
6. not allow night shifts and overtime work. timidating witnesses.
7. require students to prepare daily Work Immersion Jour- b. The respondent may file a Motion for Re-
nal which includes but not limited to the following: consideration with the Disciplining Author-
a. Learnings and/or accomplishments; ity or may elevate the same to the Civil
b. Daily work experiences; Service Commission by way of an Appeal
c. Behavior of supervising personnel/staff; within fifteen (15) days from receipt there-
d. Feelings toward work; of.
e. Challenges or difficulties encountered. 4. The Revised Rules of Procedure of the Department
8.conduct regular monitoring of students attendance: of Education in Administrative Cases shall apply
a. Immersion students shall report to the immersion in all other aspects.
venue daily until the completion of the prescribed 5. A complaint for education-related sexual harass-
number of hours; and ment as defined under Resolution No. 01-0940 of
b. Immersion students shall work from 8:00 am to the Civil Service Commission, must be in writing,
5:00 pm daily with provision for breaks (snack signed, and sworn to by the complainant. It shall
and lunch). contain the following:
47 52
 To minimize the risk to the learners, the Department of Ed- 9. observe work ethics
ucation- Division of Oriental Mindoro provides guidelines and a. Immersion students shall follow the code of ethics for
established safeguarding standards which must be followed at employees;
all times in dealing with the learners: b. Immersion students shall utilize the transportation
A. Risk Assessment. Risk assessments must be conduct- officially provided by the partner institution if there
ed by the school personnel assigned using the Child- is any. Freeride offered by employees is not allowed;
Friendly School Survey and Child Protection Policy Im- c. Boarding house owners shall have records of visits
plementation Checklist. Conclusions derived from these (i.e. logbooks) and must be available upon request by
assessments shall be the basis for program review. (See the school (School Head, Work Immersion Teacher,
Annex) Guidance Counselor);
B. Procedures for Handling and Reporting of Child Pro- d. Untoward incidents must be reported by the board-
tection Concerns or Cases ing house owners and industry partners to school
i. Investigation and reporting of prohibited acts such authorities for immediate and appropriate action;
as child abuse, discrimination, child exploitation, and
corporal punishment, violence against children in e. Industry partners are allowed to send the immersion
schools, or any analogous acts shall follow the student to the hospital without the consent of the
procedure below: parent or the school provided that notification is giv-
1. The School Head or the Schools Division Superin- en immediately to them in case of emergency.
tendent, upon receipt of the Complaint, shall for-
ward the same, within forty-eight (48) hours, to
the Disciplining Authority, who shall then issue
an Order for the conduct of a fact-finding investi-
gation, not later than seventy-two (72) hours from
submission. These periods shall be strictly ob-
served, except when justified by circumstances
beyond their control; Provided, that if the person
complained of is a non-teaching personnel, the
Schools Division Superintendent shall cause the
conduct of a fact-finding investigation within the
same period.
2. If a complaint is not sufficient in form, the con-
cerned School Head, Schools Division Superin-
tendent, or Disciplining Authority shall immedi-
ately inform the complainant of the requirements
of a formal complaint. Upon the filing of the for-
mal complaint, the same shall be acted upon pur-
suant to the preceding paragraphs.
3. The conduct of a fact-finding investigation shall
be in accordance with the Revised Rules of Proce-
dure of the Department of Education in Adminis-
51 48
CHILD PROTECTION CASE MANAGEMENT