DepEd chief cites importance of child rights, protection in basic education

PASIG, Sept. 24 (PIA) -- Education Secretary Leonor Briones on Wednesday emphasized the importance of child rights and child protection in basic education especially in this time of pandemic. 

PIA-NCR file photo. 

During the third episode of Department of Education’s (DepEd) Positive Discipline in Education for Parents and Guardians Webinar Series, the education chief stressed that child rights and child protection are vital in basic education.

“Ang center ng lahat ng ginagawa natin sa edukasyon ay ang bata. Ang child rights at child protection ay mahalagang bahagi ng pag-aaral ng mga bata,” said Briones.

She explained that the role of parents is crucial in this time when blended learning is being implemented.

“Sa blended learning, ang mga bata ay mag-aaral sa pag gabay ‘di lamang ng mga guro kundi ng mga magulang. Lalong lumawak at lumaki ang papel ng mga magulang sa edukasyon ng kanilang mga anak. Malaki ang papel na gagampanan ng mga magulang katuwang ng DepEd sa pagpapatupad ng pag-aaral ng mga bata sa bahay,” Briones explained.

The education chief also added that aside from protecting the health of children in this time of public health emergency, the children have also their rights to education and to learn.

“Ang mga bata ay may karapatan matuto, mag-aral, maging ligtas physically, mentally at emotionally lalo na sa panahon ng COVID-19,” said Briones, adding that the webinars aim to teach, help, support and promote the rights of children.

The DepEd chief emphasized the need to listen to children and to give them a chance to decide. Briones also emphasized the need to protect our children’s health, education, as well as to protect them emotionally and psychologically to prepare them for the new normal.  

"Handain natin ang ating mga bata, in terms of physical protection, educational, learning protection but also psychological and social protection. And most of all, let us ask them what they want. That is the right of a child," she noted.

The episode also featured Ms. Olivia Burgos-Meimban and Ms. Melanie Llana of Save the Children Philippines, who gave understanding on how warmth and structure work together and individually in the practice of positive discipline. (PIA-NCR)

Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)