SDO-San Juan Joins CPC Functionality Training Workshop

Child protection is a paramount concern that necessitates the collective effort of schools and communities to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for children to thrive. Recognizing this imperative, the Department of Education (DepEd), in collaboration with the Learner Rights and Protection Office (LRPO), conducted a Child Protection Committee (CPC) Functionality Training Workshop to create a network of empowered individuals committed to ensuring the well-being and protection of children within the schools and communities. It was held from December 4-7, 2023 at Club Balai Isabel, Talisay Batangas, and was attended by Child Protection advocates (principals, guidance counselors, and teachers) from the 16 Schools Division Offices of NCR including the SDO-San Juan under the leadership of Dr. Margarito B. Materum, Schools Division Superintendent.

Prior to the actual training workshop, a short program was made by the LRPO committees in which Dr. Cristito A. Eco, the Assistant Regional Director Department of Education-NCR, delivered his welcome message to the participants while Dr. Leonila C. Mustapha, Education Program Supervisor Head from LRPO, gave the objectives of the program.

The first day of the seminar-workshop strengthened the foundation of participants’ roles in advocating for and safeguarding children’s rights. Dr. Alberto D. Villamor, Education Program Supervisor and a Child Protection Specialist, delivered an insightful session on The Fundamental Principles of Understanding the Rights and Protection of Learners. He provided comprehensive insights on the rights of children, ensuring the committee members were well-versed in national laws pertaining to child protection and acknowledged their role in advocating for and safeguarding children’s rights.

The second day of the program emphasized the importance of creating a child-friendly environment and understanding the legal frameworks supporting child protection. Various speakers had their share of expertise. The LRPO presented an audio-video presentation of Atty. Suzette T. Gannaban-Medina, Officer-in- Charge, Director III of Learners Rights and Protection Office of DepEd, regarding Mandates and Directions of the Learner Rights and Protection Office. Atty. Annaliza E. Esperanza, Head Legal Unit Supervising-in-Charge, ORD- Legal Department of Education-NCR, discussed handling procedures and Protection Cases and Data. Atty. Maria Hannah D. Perez presented the Salient Provision Act No. 11930 knowns as Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) & Anti- Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM). Meanwhile, Mr. Joshua Kenneth R. Lazaro, Child Protection Specialist, explained the DepEd Child Protection Policy or DepEd Order No. 40, s. 2012 through presenting real-life cases and studies allowing the participants to apply their newly acquired knowledge. Dr. Salome P. Ingua, Education Program Supervisor, Child Protection Specialist, discussed the Anti-Bullying Policy or DEPED Order No. 55 S. 2013 and Online Safeguarding Standards (RM No. 238) and presented a video titled “Be a Buddy not a Bully.”

The third day focused on acknowledging the CPC’s role and responsibilities on proper reporting mechanisms, maintaining confidentiality and following accurate reports, letting the participants identify potential risks to children, implementing effective strategies in handling cases and penalties, and collaborating with relevant authorities to ensure swift and appropriate action when necessary. Ms. Leah Eborda Sudsakorn, JD, Child Protection Specialist, explained the DepEd Guidelines Procedures on the Management of Children-at-Risk (CAR), Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL), DepEd Order No. 18, s. 2015, and Case Management Protocols No. 40, s 2012, D.O,55, s. 2013, and D.O.18, s. 2015. Further, Mr. Sunny T. Cortes, Education Program Specialist GAD Focal/GFPS, presented the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313) otherwise known as an Act defining Gender-Based Sexual harassment in Streets, Public Spaces, Online Workplaces, and Educational or Training Institutions, Proving Protective Measures and Prescribing Penalties. He stressed the importance of the Code of Conduct and the committee on decorum and investigation. The next speaker was Ms. Elizabeth G. Nunez, Child Protection Specialist, who discussed the Social Emotional Change (SEC) Strategies for Learner Protection Campaign. She highlighted the importance of using SBC materials to reinforce information and awareness-raising learner protection campaigns.

The fourth and the last day of the workshop was aimed to educate the participants on the Template Forms and CPC Tools. Ms. Rose Ann B. Pamintuan, Child Protection Specialist, presented the Guide to DepEd Template forms (D.O. 40 s, 2012, D.O. 55 s. 2013, D.O. 18, s. 2015). She also emphasized the importance of using the forms to protect the learners and the school. On to another topic, Dr. Bernardita A. Perez, Education Program Supervisor Child Protection Specialist, talked about “Child Protection Committee Functionality Assessment Tool.” She presented a CPC Functionality Tool which aims to assess the functionality of the CPCs in Accountability and Performance, Service and Delivery, Capacities and Resources, Policies and Guidelines and Organization and Coordination.

The event concluded with the awarding of certificates to the participants which included the representatives of SDO-San Juan namely, Mr. Ricky Balmores, Administrative Officer II, OSDS, Ms. Katherine C. Martinez from San Juan Integrated School, Ms. Jennet V. Jamero from Kabayanan Integrated School, and Mr. Rizaldy N. Bersacio, Ms. Ma. Ghianelli C. Magdael, and Ms. Chery Ann C. Villar from San Juan National High School. The participants went home feeling empowered and equipped to fulfill their roles as advocates for child safety. The knowledge they gained will undoubtedly contribute to the creation of safer environments for children within the school, and community, fostering a collective commitment to their protection and well-being.