THE DEPARTMENT of Education established the child protection unit to strengthen the policies and commitments on child protection.

“DepEd has provided legislative support for various Senate and House Bills and has contributed to the development and implementation of laws and policies relative to child protection in schools,” Undersecretary for Field Operations Revsee Escobedo said in his end-of-term report.

“We also partnered with Civil Society Organizations, such as the Stairway Foundation Inc., Facebook Philippines, Social Watch Philippines, and UNICEF to implement child protection programs and activities. DepEd also conducted a series of webinars concerning the creation of localized CPUs in the schools,” he added.

Last January 15, 2021, the Education Department issued an order that aims to enable personnel to perform crucial tasks in implementing child protection programs and policies.

In line with this, Escobedo said that DepEd will hold the Philippine Youth Convergence 2022 this month to revisit youth-related initiatives and improve its responsiveness to the needs of the youth.

He likewise emphasized various initiatives and programs under Secretary Leonor Briones’ administration, including the establishment of the National Academy of Sports.

The NAS, the official added, is constantly exerting efforts to provide the necessary support to its student-athletes while in a distance learning setup through the provision of necessities, such as monthly stipends and learning materials and toolkits.

“The leadership of our dear Secretary Ma’am Liling Magtolis Briones focused on the delivery of quality basic education that is accessible, relevant, and liberating,” Escobedo said. “Through the implementation and actualization of the DepEd’s 10-point agenda and the Sulong EduKalidad program, I am confident that our learners will develop into nationalistic and civic-minded citizens who will serve as the solid pillars of our country.”