THE DEPARTMENT of Education continues to build a culture of peace and resilience in conflict-affected and vulnerable communities to ensure learning continuity and protect learners.

The DepEd’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service, in partnership with UNICEF Philippines, developed the Documentation of Good Practices on Schools and Communities in Armed Conflict Situations to showcase selected case studies of peace-building practices and initiatives on establishing and maintaining learners and schools as zones of peace.

“We are firm with our commitment to protect the rights and welfare of our learners through the issuance of the national policy framework on learners and schools as zones of peace. This policy ensures the creation of safe, inclusive, and conflict-sensitive learning environments,” Education Secretary Leonor Briones said.

“Our children and our schools are not objects of attack nor zones of battle; but rather, they are instrumental in building and sustaining a culture of peace in our country,” Education Undersecretary for Administration Alain Del Pascua said.

The peace-building practices are reflective of the three building blocks of DepEd Order No. 32, s. 2019 or the National Policy Framework on Learners and Schools as Zones of Peace or LSZOP — Education for Peace, Peace for Education, and Crisis Management through Education in Emergencies.

DRRMS Director Ronilda Co said that the framework was based on the experiences of schools and communities.

The research presented measures to strengthen learning, protect schools and learners in conflict-affected areas, and inform school heads, teachers and education practitioners in specific school divisions and districts affected by armed conflict.

“We hope that this study contributes to making our schools safer, more secure, and child friendly. Educators, community members, parents, and students can work together towards a better world where all people live safely and free from fear,” UNICEF Philippines Representative Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov said.