As children learn best in safe environments, the Department of Education (DepEd)’s Child Protection Policy was formulated with the aim of protecting young learners from cruelty, abuse, harm, and other conditions prejudicial to their development carried out by adults, persons in authority, and/or their fellow students. The creation of Child Rights in Education Desk and the Child Protection Unit, as well as the subsequent adoption of the Rights-Based Education Framework for Philippine Basic Education, further strengthen DepEd’s commitment in upholding the broad range of rights of children in education.

It is thus concerning how individuals tasked with educating young children have been allegedly involved in actions that are unbecoming of the role of educators in the recent weeks.

In Cavite, six teachers from the Bacoor National High School were allegedly conducting activities that include grooming, use of sexual or suggestive innuendos, and prepositioning students for sex; while, a grade 5 student in Camarines Norte was allegedly verbally abused by their teacher for failing to accomplish a writing activity.

Both cases, if confirmed to be true, are condemnable incidents that betray the trust children and parents put on schools as safe havens for learning. To ascertain the truth behind these allegations and render aid to those afflicted, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), through its Regional Offices in Region IV-A and V, will be conducting its own independent inquiry into this matter.

In protecting children and ensuring the transparency behind these allegations, CHR welcomes DepEd’s recognition of these reports and their swift action to investigate and protect victims in both incidences. As schools reopen, we urge DepEd to continue working with educational institutions in strengthening reporting, prevention, and remedial measures in addressing exploitation, violence, discrimination, bullying, and other acts of abuse.

In all of this, CHR reminds educational institutions, including the government as the prime duty holder of human rights, that we must always uphold the best interest of the child. A child’s right to education goes beyond discussions on access, but equally encompasses the quality of education received and the conditions that make learning and development conducive. ###