ll\epublic of tbe bilippines

iJBepartment of qEbucatton

MAY 1 4 2012
DepEd O R D E R
No. 4 0 • s. 2012

DEPED CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

To: Undersecretaries
Assistant Secretaries
Bureau Directors
Directors of Services, Centers and Heads of Unit
Regional Secretary, ARMM
Regional Directors
Schools Division / City Superintendents
Chiefs of Divisions
Heads, Public and Private Elementary and Secondary Schools
All Others Concerned

1. For the information and guidance of all concerned, the Department of Education
(DepEd) issues the enclosed copy of the Policy and Guidelines on Protecting Children in
School from Abuse, Violence, Exploitation, Discrimination, Bullying and Other Forms of
Abuse entitled "DepEd Child Protection Policy."

2. Pursuant to Section 26 thereof, this DepEd Order shall take effect immediately upon
issuance.

3. All Orders, Memoranda and other related issuances inconsistent with these policy
and guidelines are deemed amended accordingly upon its effectivity.

4. Immediate dissemination of and strict compliance with this Order is directed.

BR. ISTRO FSC

Secretary

Encl.: As stated
Reference: DepEd Memorandum No. 297, s. 2006
To be indicated in the Perpetual Index
under the following subjects:

LEGISLATIONS RULES & REGULATIONS

POLICY STUDENTS
PUPILS TEACHERS

SMA, DO DepEq_ Child_ Protection Policy

1190·April 23, 2012

DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City 1600 fl 633-7208/6337228/ 632-1361 tfjl, 636-4876/637-6209 4 www.deped.gov.ph
(Enclosure to DepEd Order No. 40, s. 2012)

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Policy and Guidelines on Protecting Children in School from

Abuse, Violence, Exploitation, Discrimination, Bullying and Other
Forms of Abuse

I. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1. Short Title

This Department Order shall be known as the "DepEd Child

Protection Policy."

Section 2. - Statement of Policy

Pursuant to the 1987 Constitution, the State shall defend the right
of children to assistance, including proper care and nutrition, and
special protection from all forms of neglect, abuse, cruelty, exploitation
and other conditions prejudicial to their development (Article XV,
Section 3 [2]).

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 personal 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, maltreatment and exploitation, including
sexual abuse. The same Convention establishes the right of the child to
education, and with a view to achieving this right progressively, and on
the basis of equal opportunity, it obliges the government to take
measures to encourage 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 in conformity with the
CRC.

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 Towards this end, the Department of Education (DepEd), in
collaboration with its partners and stakeholders, shall ensure that all
schools are conducive to the education of children. The best interest of
the child shall be the paramount consideration in all decisions and
actions involving children, whether undertaken by public or private
social welfare institutions, courts of law, administrative authorities, and
legislative bodies, consistent with the principle of First Call for Children,
as enunciated in the CRC. Teachers and learning facilitators especially
in learning centers are their substitute parents, and are expected to
discharge their functions and duties with this in mind. In this
connection, the Family Code empowers the school, its administrators
and teachers, or the individual, entity or institution engaged in child care
to exercise the special parental authority and responsibility over the
child, while under their supervision, instruction or custody.

The Department recognizes that cases of abuse may arise as a

result of the difficult situations faced by teachers and other officials
within and outside school.

DepEd has adopted the policy to provide special protection to

children who are gravely threatened or endangered by circumstances
which affect their normal development and over which they have no
control, and to assist the concerned agencies in their rehabilitation.

Furthermore, this Department aims to ensure such special

protection from all forms of abuse and exploitation and care as is
necessary for the child's well-being, taking into account the primary
rights and duties of parents, legal guardians, or other individuals who
are legally responsible and exercise custody over the child. DepEd
recognizes the participatory rights of the child in the formulation and
implementation of policies, and in all proceedings affecting them,
whether they be victims or aggressors, either directly, or through a
representative.

Accordingly, this Department reiterates a zero tolerance policy for

any act of child abuse, exploitation, violence, discrimination, bullying
and other forms of abuse, and hereby promulgates this Department
Order.

Section 3. - Definition of Terms

A. "Child" - refers to any person below eighteen (18) years of

age or those over but are unable to fully take care of
themselves or protect themselves from abuse, neglect,
cruelty,
 exploitation or discrimination because of a physical or mental
disability or condition; (RA 7610). For purposes of this
Department Order, the term also includes pupils or students
who may be eighteen (18) years of age or older but are in
school.

B. "Children in School" - refers to bona fide pupils, students or

learners who are enrolled in the basic education system,
whether regular, irregular, transferee or repeater, including
those who have been temporarily out of school, who are in the
school or learning centers premises or participating in school
sanctioned activities.

C. "Pupil, Student or Learner" - means a child who regularly

attends classes in any level of the basic education system,
under the supervision and tutelage of a teacher or facilitator.

D. "School Personnel" - means the persons, singly or

collectively, working in a public or private school. They are
classified as follows:

a. "School Head" refers to the chief executive officer or

administrator of a public or private school or learning center.

b. "Other School Officials" include other school officers,

including teachers, who are occupying supervisory positions or
positions of responsibility, and are involved in policy formulation
or implementation in a school.

c. "Academic Personnel" includes all school personnel who

are formally engaged in actual teaching service or in research
assignments, either on a full-time or a part-time basis, as well as
those who possess certain prescribed academic functions directly
supportive of teaching, such as registrars, librarians, guidance
counselors, researchers, and other similar persons. They may
include school officials who are responsible for academic matters,
and other school officials.

d. "Other Personnel" includes all other non-academic

personnel in the school, whatever may be the nature of their
appointment and status of employment.

E. "Child Protection" - refers to programs, services, procedures

and structures that are intended to prevent and respond to
abuse, neglect, exploitation, discrimination and violence.
F. "Parents" - refers to biological parents, step-parents,
adoptive parents and the common-law spouse or partner of
the parent;

G. "Guardians or Custodians" - refers to legal guardians,

foster parents, and other persons, including relatives or even
non-relatives, who have physical custody of the child.

H. "School Visitor or Guest" - refers to any person who visits

the school and has any official business with the school, and
any person who does not have any official business but is
found within the premises of the school. This may include
those who are within the school premises for certain reasons,
e.g. student teachers, catechists, service providers, suppliers,
bidders, parents and guardians of other children.

I. "Child Abuse" - refers to the maltreatment of a child,

whether habitual or not, which includes any of the following:

1) psychological or physical abuse, neglect, cruelty, sexual

abuse and emotional maltreatment;

2) any act by deeds or words which debases, degrades or

demeans the intrinsic worth and dignity of a child as a
human being;

3) unreasonable deprivation of the child's basic needs for

survival, such as food and shelter; or

4) failure to immediately give medical treatment to an injured

child resulting in serious impairment of his or her growth
and development or in the child's permanent incapacity or
death (Sec. 3 [b], RA 7610).

J. "Discrimination against children" - refers to an act of

exclusion, distinction, restriction or preference which is based
on any ground such as age, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation
and gender identity, language, religion, political or other
opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, being infected
or affected by Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired
Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), being pregnant, being a
child in conflict with the law, being a child with disability or
other status or condition, and which has the purpose or effect
of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise
by all persons, on an equal footing, of all rights and freedoms.
 K. "Child exploitation" - refers to the use of children for
someone else's advantage, gratification or profit often resulting
in an unjust, cruel and harmful treatment of the child. These
activities disrupt the child's normal physical or mental health,
education, moral or social emotional development. It covers
situations of manipulation, misuse, abuse, victimization,
oppression or ill-treatment.

There are two (2) main forms of child exploitation that are
recognized:

1. Sexual exploitation - refers to the abuse of a position

of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual
purposes. It includes, but it is not limited to forcing a
child to participate in prostitution or the production of
pornographic materials, as a result of being subjected to
a threat, deception, coercion, abduction, force, abuse of
authority, debt bondage, fraud or through abuse of a
victim's vulnerability.

2. Economic exploitation - refers to the use of the child

in work or other activities for the benefit of others.
Economic exploitation involves a certain gain or profit
through the production, distribution and consumption of
goods and services. This includes, but is not limited to,
illegal child labor, as defined in RA 9231.

L. "Violence against children committed in schools" - refers

to a single act or a series of acts committed by school
administrators, academic and non-academic personnel against
a child, which result in or is likely to result 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

or physical harm. It includes assigning children to
perform tasks which 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:
 a) rape, sexual harassment, acts of
lasciviousness, making demeaning and
sexually suggestive remarks, physically
attacking the sexual parts of the victim's
body;

b) forcing the child to watch obscene

publications and indecent shows or forcing
the child to do indecent sexual acts and/or
to engage or be involved in, the creation or
distribution of such films, indecent
publication or material; and

c) acts causing or attempting to cause the

child to engage in any sexual activity by
force, threat of force, physical or other harm
or threat of physical or other harm or
coercion, or through inducements, gifts or
favors.

3. Psychological violence refers to acts or omissions

causing or likely to cause mental or emotional
suffering of the child, such as but not limited to
intimidation, harassment, stalking, damage to
property, public ridicule or humiliation, deduction
or threat of deduction from grade or merit as a
form of punishment, and repeated verbal abuse.

4. Other acts of violence of a physical, sexual or

psychological nature that are prejudicial to the
best interest of the child.

M. "Bullying or Peer Abuse" - refers to willful aggressive

behavior that is directed, towards a particular victim who may
be out-numbered, younger, weak, with disability, less
confident, or otherwise vulnerable. More particularly:

1. Bullying - is committed when a student commits

an act or a series of acts directed towards another student,
or a series of single acts directed towards several students
in a school setting or a place of learning, which results in
physical and mental abuse, harassment, intimidation, or
humiliation. Such acts may consist of any one or more of
the following:

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 a. Threats to inflict a wrong upon the person, honor
or property of the person or on his or her family;

b. Stalking or constantly following or pursuing a

person in his or her daily activities, with unwanted and
obsessive attention;

c. Taking of property;

d. Public humiliation, or public and malicious

imputation of a crime or of a vice or defect, whether real or
imaginary, or any act, omission, condition, status, or
circumstance tending to cause dishonor, discredit or
expose a person to contempt;

e. Deliberate destruction or defacement of, or

damage to the child's property;

f. Physical violence committed upon a student, which

may or may not result to harm or injury, with or without the
aid of a weapon. Such violence may be in the form of
mauling, hitting, punching, kicking, throwing things at the
student, pinching, spanking, or other similar acts;

g. Demanding or requiring sexual or monetary favors,

or exacting money or property, from a pupil or student; and

h. Restraining the liberty and freedom of a pupil or

student.

2. Cyber-bullying - is any conduct defined in the

preceding paragraph, as resulting in harassment,
intimidation, or humiliation, through electronic means or
other technology, such as, but not limited to texting, email,
instant messaging, chatting, internet, social networking
websites or other platforms or formats.

N. "Other acts of abuse by a pupil, student or learner'' - refers

to other serious acts of abuse committed by a pupil, student or
learner upon another pupil, student or learner of the same school,
not falling under the definition of 'bullying' in the preceding
provisions, including but not limited to acts of a physical, sexual or
psychological nature.

1. "Corporal Punishment" - refers to a kind of punishment or

penalty imposed for an alleged or actual offense, which is carried

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out or inflicted, for the purpose of discipline, training or control, by
a teacher, school administrator, an adult, or any other child who
has been given or has assumed authority or responsibility for
punishment or discipline. It includes physical, humiliating or
degrading punishment, including, but not limited to the following:

1) Blows such as, but not limited to, beating, kicking, hitting,
slapping, or lashing, of any part of a child's body, with or
without the use of an instrument such as, but not limited to
a cane, broom, stick, whip or belt;

2) Striking of a child's face or head, such being declared as a

"no contact zone";

3) Pulling hair, shaking, twisting joints, cutting or piercing skin,

dragging, pushing or throwing of a child;

4) Forcing a child to perform physically painful or damaging

acts such as, but not limited to, holding a weight or weights
for an extended period and kneeling on stones, salt,
pebbles or other objects;

5) Deprivation of a child's physical needs as a form of

punishment;

6) Deliberate exposure to fire, ice, water, smoke, sunlight,

rain, pepper, alcohol, or forcing the child to swallow
substances, dangerous chemicals, and 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
insecticides, excrement or urine;

7) Tying up a child;

8) Confinement, imprisonment or depriving the liberty of a

child;

9) Verbal abuse or assaults, including intimidation or threat of

bodily harm, swearing or cursing, ridiculing or denigrating
the child;

10) Forcing a child to wear a sign, to undress or disrobe, 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 pupils,
students or learners, except when such pieces of property
pose a danger to the child or to others; and

12) Other analogous acts.

P. "Positive and Non-Violent Discipline of Children" -is a way

of thinking and a holistic, constructive and pro-active approach
to teaching that helps children develop appropriate thinking
and behavior in the short and long-term and fosters self-
discipline. It is based on the fundamental 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 teach
life-long skills and values to students.

II. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Section 4. Central Office

The DepEd Central Office shall have the following duties and
responsibilities:

A. Develop a policy and guidelines for the prevention of violence

against children in schools and make these available to all schools;

B. Conduct a nationwide information dissemination and

campaign on violence prevention programs for children and research
based best practices for teachers, which are intended to promote new
techniques, methodologies and research related to teaching, classroom
management, child development, positive and non-violent discipline;

C. Devise programs, campaigns and activities through the Offices

of the Undersecretary for Programs and Projects and Regional
Operations, to raise consciousness, mobilize and educate the students,
parents, teachers, community, local government units and other
stakeholders in addressing child abuse, exploitation, violence,
discrimination and bullying; and

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 D. Formulate a system of standard reporting, prescribe standards
and procedures for monitoring and evaluation, and maintain the central
repository of Regional Reports (Annex "A") on incidents and cases of
child abuse, exploitation, violence, discrimination, bullying and other
acts of abuse, through the Office of the Undersecretary for Legal and
Legislative Affairs.

The data on the number and types of reports made under these
guidelines, the results of investigations undertaken to verify the details
made in the complaints, the sanctions imposed, the action taken and
the interventions adopted, are to be maintained on an annual
aggregated basis.

E. The Secretary shall exercise disciplinary jurisdiction, where

a·ppropriate, pursuant to the Revised Rules of Procedure of the
Department of Education in Administrative Cases and other existing
laws, rules and regulations.

Section 5. Regional Offices

The Regional Offices shall have the following duties and

responsibilities:

A. Encourage and support advocacy campaigns and capability

building activities on the prevention of child abuse, violence,
exploitation, discrimination, bullying and other forms of abuse,
promotion of positive and non-violent discipline, conflict resolution
and peer mediation;

B. Consolidate reports on incidents and cases of the Division

Offices within the Region and submit a Regional Report (Annex
"A") to the Undersecretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs;

C. Monitor and evaluate the implementation and enforcement of

this Department Order by the Schools Division Offices and such
other related laws and regulations relative to abuse, exploitation,
violence and discrimination of children;

D. Exercise disciplinary jurisdiction, where appropriate, pursuant

to the Revised Rules of Procedure of the Department of
Education in Administrative Cases and other existing laws, rules
and regulations; and

E. Give recommendations to the Central Office on the policies,

programs, and services, to address and prevent cases of child

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 abuse, exploitation, violence and discrimination, bullying and
other acts of abuses, consistent with this Department Order.

Section 6. Division Offices

The Division Offices shall have the following duties and

responsibilities:

A. Conduct the information-dissemination activities and in-service

training for teachers on the protection of children in school from
abuse, violence, exploitation, discrimination, bullying or peer
abuse and other related cases;

B. Undertake advocacy campaigns and capability building

activities to enable the schools to do the following:

• Apply positive and non-violent discipline,

• Formulate and implement guidelines and procedures to
emphasize the role of all stakeholders and other persons in
the prevention and reporting of cases of bullying, and
• Provide conflict resolution or peer mediation, including
referral to appropriate service providers, if needed;

C. Organize and conduct the capacity building activities for

members of the Child Protection Committee and Guidance
Counselors/Teachers; including, but not limited to the
identification of students who may be suffering from significant
harm based on any physical, emotional or behavioral signs;

D. Develop strategies to address the risk factors that contribute

to the commission of acts of abuse, violence, exploitation,
discrimination, and bullying;

E. Consolidate the reports on incidents and cases of all schools

and submit a Division Report (Annex "A") to the Regional Office;

F. Monitor and evaluate the implementation and enforcement 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;

G. Exercise disciplinary jurisdiction, where appropriate, pursuant

to the Revised Rules of Procedure of the Department of

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 Education in Administrative Cases and other existing laws, rules
and regulations;

H. Give recommendations to the Regional Office and devise

measures to address and prohibit abuse, exploitation, violence
and discrimination, and bullying or peer abuse of children,
consistent with this Department Order;

I. Utilize resources, coordinate with appropriate offices and other

agency or instrumentality for such assistance as it may require in
the performance of its functions;

J. Encourage and support activities and campaigns initiated by

stakeholders; and

K. Perform such other functions, as may be assigned by the

Secretary or the Regional Director.

Section 7. - Schools

The School Heads shall have the following duties and

responsibilities:

A. Ensure the institution of effective child protection

policies and procedures, and monitor compliance
thereof;

B. Ensure that the school adopts a child protection

policy;

C. Ensure that all pupils, students or learners, school

personnel, parents, guardians or custodians, and
visitors and guests are made aware of child
protection policy (Annex "C").

D. Organize and convene the Child Protection

Committee for the school;

E. Conduct the capacity building activities for the

members of the Child Protection Committee and
Guidance Counselors/Teachers;

F. Conduct disciplinary proceedings in cases of

offenses committed by pupils, students or learners;
G. Ensure that the participatory and other rights of
children are respected and upheld in all matters and
procedures affecting their welfare;

H. Maintain a record of all proceedings related to

bullying or peer abuse and submit after each school
year to the Division Office the report and a copy of
the intake form (Annexes "A" & "B", respectively);

I. Conduct the appropriate training and capability

building activities on child protection measures and
protocols;

J. 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 traveling to
and from school, or during a school-sponsored
activity, and during lunch period, whether on or off
campus;

K. 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;

L. Coordinate with the appropriate offices and other

agency or instrumentality for appropriate assistance
and intervention, as may be required in the
performance of its functions;

M. Coordinate with the Department of Social Welfare

and Development or, the appropriate government
agencies or non-governmental organizations on a
Child Protection Hotline for reporting abuse, violence,
exploitation, discrimination, bullying and other similar
acts and for counseling;

N. Ensure that all incidents of abuse, violence,

exploitation, discrimination, bullying and other similar
acts are addressed in accordance with the provisions
of this Department Order.
Section 8. Duties and Responsibilities of School Personnel

Article 218 of the Family Code of the Philippines provides the following
responsibilities of school administrators, teachers, academic and non
academic and other personnel:

A. Exercise special parental authority and responsibility over the

child while under their supervision, instruction and custody.
Authority and responsibility shall apply to all authorized activities
whether inside or outside the premises of the school, entity or
institution.

Articles 220 and 233 of the Family Code of the Philippines,

Presidential Decree No. 603, and other related laws enumerated
the following duties and responsibilities of the abovementioned
persons and personnel over the children under their supervision,
instruction and custody:

B. Keep them in their company and support, educate and instruct

them by right precept and good example;

C. Give them love and affection, advice and counsel,

companionship and understanding;

D. Enhance, protect, preserve and maintain their physical and

mental health at all times;

E. Furnish them with good and wholesome educational materials,

supervise their activities, recreation and association with others,
protect them from bad company and prevent them from acquiring
habits detrimental to their health, studies and morals;

F. Represent them in all matters affecting their interests;

G. Inculcate the value of respect and obedience;

H. Practice positive and non-violent discipline, as may be required

under the circumstances; provided, that in no case shall corporal
punishment be inflicted upon them;

I. Perform such other duties as are imposed by law upon them,

as substitute parents or guardians; and

J. School personnel shall also strictly comply with the school's

child protection policy.

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4
Section 9. Duties and Responsibilities of Pupils, Students and
Learners

Pupils, students and learners shall have the following duties and
responsibilities:

A. Comply with the school's regulations, as long as they are

in harmony with their best interests. Pupils, students and
learners shall refrain from:

i. Engaging in discrimination, or leading a group of

pupils or students to discriminate another, with
reference to one's physical appearance, weaknesses
and status of any sort;
ii. Doing any act that is inappropriate or sexually
provocative;
iii. Participating in behavior of other students that is
illegal, unsafe or abusive;
iv. Marking or damaging school property, including
books, in any way;
v. Engaging in fights or any aggressive behavior;
vi. Introducing into the school premises or otherwise
possessing prohibited articles, such as deadly
weapons, drugs, alcohol, toxic and noxious
substances, cigarettes and pornographic material;
and
vii. Performing other similar acts that cause damage or
injury to another.

An allegation that any of these acts has been committed

shall not be used to curtail the child's basic rights, or
interpreted to defeat the objectives of this Department
Order.

B. Conduct themselves in accordance with their levels of

development, maturity, and demonstrated capabilities,
with a proper regard for the rights and welfare of other
persons;

C. Respect another person's rights regardless of opinion,

status, gender, ethnicity, religion, as well as everyone's
moral and physical integrity; and

D. Observe the Code of Conduct for pupils, students and

learners.

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 Section 10. Establishment of Child Protection Committee

All public and private elementary and secondary schools shall

establish a Child Protection Committee (CPC).

A. The CPC shall be composed of the following:

1. School Head/Administrator - Chairperson

2. Guidance Counselor/ Teacher - Vice Chairperson
3. Representative of the Teachers as designated by the
Faculty Club
4. Representative of the Parents as designated by the
Parents-Teachers Association
5. Representative of pupils, students and learners as
designated by the Supreme Student Council
6. Representative from the Community as designated by the
Punong Barangay, preferably a member of the Barangay
Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC).

B. The CPC shall perform the following functions:

1. Draft a school child protection policy with a code of conduct

and a plan to ensure child protection and safety, which
shall be reviewed every three (3) years. The template for
the school child protection policy is attached as Annex "C";

2. Initiate information dissemination programs and organize

activities for the protection of children from abuse,
exploitation, violence, discrimination and bullying or peer
abuse;

3. Develop and implement a school-based referral and

monitoring system. The template for the referral system is
attached as Annex "D"·
'
4. Establish a system for identifying students who may be
suffering from significant harm based on any physical,
emotional or behavioral signs;

5. Identify, refer and, if appropriate, report to the appropriate

offices cases involving child abuse, exploitation, violence,
discrimination and bullying;
 6. Give assistance to parents or guardians, whenever
necessary in securing expert guidance counseling from the
appropriate offices or institutions;

7. Coordinate closely with the Women and Child Protection

Desks of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Local
Social Welfare and Development Office (LSWDO), other
government agencies, and non-governmental organizations
(NGOs), as may be appropriate;

8. Monitor the implementation of positive measures and

effective procedures in providing the necessary support for
the child and for those who care for the child; and

9. Ensure that the children's right to be heard are respected

and upheld in all matters and procedures affecting their
welfare.

Ill. PREVENTIVE MEASURES TO ADDRESS CHILD ABUSE,

EXPLOITATION, VIOLENCE, DISCRIMINATION AND
BULLYING AND OTHER ACTS OF ABUSE

Section 11. Capacity Building of School Officials, Personnel,

Parents and Students

All public and private elementary and secondary schools shall

build the capacities of school personnel, pupils, students and learners,
parents and guardians to understand and deal with child abuse,
exploitation, violence and discrimination cases, bullying and peer
violence by conducting sessions, trainings and seminars on positive
peer relationships and enhancement of social and emotional
competence.

They shall use training modules which include positive and non
violent discipline in classroom management, anger and stress
management and gender sensitivity. They shall likewise employ means
which enhance the skills and pedagogy in integrating and teaching
children's rights in the classroom.

The programs that are intended to promote Positive and Non-Violent

Discipline include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Integration of education sessions on corporal punishment and
positive discipline in the initiatives of the Parent-Teachers
Associations (PTAs);

2. Capacity-building programs for school administrators, teachers

and non-academic personnel focused on children's rights, child
development and positive and nonviolent approaches in teaching
and classroom management, to enable them to incorporate
positive discipline messages in parent-teacher conferences and
family counseling, and integrate messages on children's rights
and corporal punishment in classroom discussions;

3. Encouraging and supporting the formation and initiatives of

support groups among teaching and non-teaching staff, and
parents and caregivers;

4. Implementing specific parenting orientation sessions with parents

and caregivers and other activities;

5. Implementing school activities or events that raise awareness on

children's rights, corporal punishment and positive discipline,
fostering the active involvement of and providing venues for
bringing together parents, families and children;

6. Encouraging and supporting student-led initiatives to raise

awareness on children's rights, corporal punishment and positive
discipline; and

7. Setting up child-friendly mechanisms for obtaining children's

views and participation in the formulation, monitoring and
assessment of school rules and policies related to student
discipline.

IV. PROTECTIVE AND REMEDIAL MEASURES TO ADDRESS

CHILD ABUSE, EXPLOITATION, VIOLENCE, DISCRIMINATION,
BULLYING AND OTHER ACTS OF ABUSE

Section 12. Procedures in Handling Bullying Incidents in

Schools. A complaint for bullying or peer abuse shall be acted upon
by the School Head following the procedures herein set forth:

a. Bullying - Upon the filing of a complaint or upon notice by a

school personnel or official of any bullying or peer abuse incident,
the same shall be immediately reported to the School Head,
who
 shall inform the parents or guardian of the victim and the
offending child, in a meeting called for the purpose. The victim
and the offending child shall be referred to the Child Protection
Committee for counseling and other interventions. The penalty of
reprimand, if warranted, may be imposed by the School Head in
the presence of the parents or guardians.

If bullying is committed for a second or subsequent time, after the

offending child has received counseling or other interventions,
the penalty of suspension for not more than one (1) week may be
imposed by the School Head, if such is warranted. During the
period of suspension, the offending child and the parents or
guardians may be required to attend further seminars and
counseling. The School Head shall likewise ensure that the
appropriate interventions, counseling and other services, are
provided for the victim or victims of bullying.

· b. Bullying that results in serious physical injuries or death - If

the bullying or peer abuse resulted in serious physical injuries or
death, whenever appropriate, the case shall be dealt with in
accordance with the provisions of Republic Act 9344 and its
Implementing Rules and Regulations.

c. Procedure - In all cases where the imposable penalty on the

offending child is suspension, exclusion or expulsion, the
following minimum requirements of due process shall be complied
with:

(1) The child and the parents or guardians must be informed of the
complaint in writing;

(2) The child shall be given the opportunity to answer the complaint
in writing, with the assistance of the parents or guardian;

(3) The decision of the school head must be in writing, stating the
facts and the reasons for the decision;

(4) The decision of the school head may be appealed, as provided

in existing rules of the Department.

Section 13. Implementation of Non-punitive Measures.

Depending on the gravity of the bullying committed by any pupil,
student or learner, the school may impose other non-punitive
 measures, in lieu of punitive measures, in accordance with the
principles of Positive and Non-Violent Discipline.

Section 14. Other acts of violence or abuse. Other serious acts of

violence or abuse committed by a pupil, student or learner upon
another pupil, student or learner of the same school, shall, and
whenever appropriate, be dealt with in accordance with the
provisions of Republic Act 9344 and its Implementing Rules and
Regulations.

V. RULES AND PROCEDURES IN HANDLING CHILD ABUSE,

EXPLOITATION, VIOLENCE AND DISCRIMINATION
CASES

Section 15. - Prohibited Acts

The following acts, as defined in Section 3 of this Order, are

hereby prohibited and shall be penalized in administrative proceedings
a·s Grave or Simple Misconduct depending on the gravity of the act and
its consequences, under existing laws, rules and regulations:

1. Child abuse;
2. Discrimination against children;
3. Child Exploitation ;
4. Violence Against Children in School;
5. Corporal Punishment;
6. Any analogous or similar acts.

Section 16. Investigation and Reporting. The conduct of

investigation and reporting of cases of child abuse, exploitation,
violence or discrimination, shall be done expeditiously, as herein
provided.

A. PUBLIC SCHOOLS

A. The School Head or the Schools Division Superintendent,

upon receipt of the Complaint, shall forward the same,
within forty-eight (48) hours, to the Disciplining Authority,
who shall then issue an Order for the conduct of a fact finding
investigation, not later than seventy-two (72) hours from
submission. These periods shall be strictly observed,
except when justified by circumstances beyond their

1
 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.

B. If a complaint is not sufficient in form, the concerned School

Head, Schools Division Superintendent, or Disciplining
Authority shall immediately inform the complainant of the
requirements of a formal complaint. Upon the filing of the
formal complaint, the same shall be acted upon pursuant to
the preceding paragraphs.

C. The conduct of a fact-finding investigation shall be in

accordance with the Revised Rules of Procedure of the
Department of Education in Administrative Cases. Pending
investigation, upon referral of the School Principal or
Guidance Counselor/Teacher, the Local Social Welfare and
Development Officer (LSWDO) of the concerned local
government unit shall assess the child and provide psycho
social intervention to help the child victim recover from
whatever trauma he or she has experienced as a result of
the abuse. The offender shall likewise undergo psycho
social intervention, if such is warranted.

If a prima facie case exists based on the Investigation

Report and the records, a Formal Charge shall be issued
by the Disciplining Authority, which may be the basis for the
issuance of an Order of Preventive Suspension or as an
alternative, reassignment of the offending party, as may be
warranted. The respondent may be placed under
preventive suspension pending investigation, for a period of
ninety (90) days, if the injury or abuse committed against a
child is so grave, as to render the child unable to attend his
or her classes. The respondent may also be preventively
suspended to preclude the possibility of influencing or
intimidating witnesses.

The respondent may file a Motion for Reconsideration with

the Disciplining Authority or may elevate the same to the
Civil Service Commission by way of an Appeal within fifteen
(15) days from receipt thereof.
D. The Revised Rules of Procedure of the Department of
Education in Administrative Cases shall apply in all other
aspects.

E. A complaint for education-related sexual harassment as

defined under Resolution No. 01-0940 of the Civil Service
Commission, must be in writing, signed and sworn to by the
complainant. It shall contain the following:

1. the full name and address of the complainant;

2. the full name, address, and position of the

respondent;

3. a brief statement of the relevant facts;

4. evidence, in support of the complainant, if any;

5. a certification of non-forum shopping.

E.1. The Complaint shall be referred to the

Committee on Decorum and Investigation. Upon receipt of
the complaint, the Committee shall require the person
complained of to submit his or her Counter
Affidavit/Comment, which shall be under oath, not later
than three (3) days from receipt of the notice, furnishing the
complainant a copy thereof, otherwise the Counter-Affidavit
or Comment shall be considered as not filed.

E.2. The procedure for the conduct of an

investigation and all other related incidents, shall be in
accordance with the rules under Resolution No. 01-0940 of
the Civil Service Commission; Provided, that, if the
respondent is a teacher, the composition of the Formal
Investigating Committee shall be in accordance with
Section 9 of R.A. 4670.

F. The Regional Directors shall periodically monitor and keep

a record of all reported child abuse cases, and submit a
final consolidated regional report (Annex "A) to the Office of
the Undersecretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs and the
Undersecretary for Regional Operations.
 G. Failure to submit an incident report or to render a decision
involving the case within the prescribed period, without
justifiable cause, shall be a ground for administrative action
for neglect of duty against the responsible official.

H. The Office of the Undersecretary for Legal and Legislative

Affairs shall compile the regional reports and submit an
annual report to the Secretary.

Section 17. Jurisdiction. Complaints of child abuse, violence,

discrimination, exploitation, bullying and other acts of abuse under this
Department Order shall be within the exclusive jurisdiction of the
Department, and shall not be brought for amicable settlement before the
Barangay, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations. Complaints for
acts committed by persons not under the jurisdiction of the Disciplinary
Authority of the Department shall be referred to the appropriate
authorities.

Section 18. Confidentiality. In child abuse, violence,

discrimination, exploitation, bullying or peer abuse and other acts of
abuse by a pupil, student or learners, the identity or other information
that may reasonably identify the pupil, student or learner, whether victim
or offender, shall be withheld from the public to protect his or her
privacy.

On the other hand, the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers
protects the rights of teachers and no publicity shall be given to any
disciplinary action against a teacher during the pendency of his or her
case.

Section 19. Criminal and Civil Liability. Criminal and civil

liability arising from child abuse, discrimination, exploitation, and other
acts of abuse are separate and distinct, and shall not be a bar to the
ffling of an administrative case under these guidelines.

8. Private Schools

Section 20. Complaint against school personnel or official. A

complaint for child abuse, violence, exploitation or discrimination in a
private school shall be filed with the School Head/Chief Executive
Officer and shall be acted upon pursuant to the school's rules of
p'rocedures on administrative cases. The penalty shall be that which is
provided by the rules of the school, subject to the requirements of due
process. The administrative case shall be without prejudice to any civil
or criminal case that may be filed.

Section 21. The private school shall submit the report (Annex
"A") to the Division Office after each school year.

VI. REFERRAL AND ASSESSMENT OF VICTIMS AND

OFFENDERS AND OTHER CHILDREN

Section 22. Referral and Assessment. In all cases involving

child abuse, violence, exploitation, discrimination, bullying and other
acts of abuse, the CPC shall accomplish the Intake Sheet (Annex "B").
The School Head may refer the victims and offenders in cases involving
child abuse, exploitation, discrimination, bullying or peer abuse and
other acts of abuse, to the LSWDO for assessment. The LSWDO shall
determine the appropriate intervention.

The School Head, with the aid of the assigned Guidance

Counselor/Teacher, and in coordination with the LSWDO, shall
immediately remove the victim, or in appropriate cases the offender,
from the place of the incident, if the victim is determined to be at risk.
The child's family shall be informed of any action taken.

The School Head may also refer to the LSWDO other pupils,
students or learners who are victims of abuse at home, children at risk,
children in especially difficult circumstances, children with special needs
or at risk, children facing difficult situations, or those who are exhibiting
signs of aggressive behavior, with a view to obtaining professional
assessment, appropriate interventions and assistance from competent
service providers.

VII. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Section 23. Duties of Private Schools

Private Schools shall be responsible for promulgating a school

child protection policy, including a policy on bullying, a protocol for
reporting and procedures for handling and management of cases,
consistent with these policies and guidelines.
Section 24. - Separability Clause

Any part or provision of this Department Order which may be held invalid or
unconstitutional shall not affect the validity and effectivity of the other provisions.

Section 25. Repealing Clause

All prior Department Orders or other issuances, or provisions thereof, which are
inconsistent with this Department Order are hereby repealed, revised or modified
accordingly.

Section 26. - Effectivity

This Department Order shall take effect immediately upon issuance.

":
BR. ARMIN A. L TRO FSC
Secretary