VICE President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte reminded teachers to draw the line and practice professionalism in dealing with their students.

She issued the statement during the launch of the Child Protection Unit website and the Learner Telesafe Contact Center national hotline at the Department of Education’s Central Office.

Duterte recalled that upon assuming her role as Education secretary in June this year, not only did she have to think of solutions to the problems that hounded the department but also had to “deal with disturbing and painful stories about learners being victims of sexual abuse.”

“Some cases were classic examples of sexual grooming — a predatory activity primarily by adult offenders who use their position, resources, charm, and influence to carry out their plan against a child or another vulnerable adult,” she said.

The Department of Education recently issued DepEd Order No. 49, s. 2022 entitled “Promotion of Professionalism in the Implementation and Delivery of Basic Education Programs and Services” to promote effective and efficient policies and programs.

School officials and employees were ordered to “avoid relationships, interaction, and communication, including following social media with learners outside of the school setting, except if they are relatives.”

During last week’s culmination of the National Children’s Month, Duterte reiterated the importance of teachers not having out-of-school contacts or connections with learners.

“Some do not understand my position with regard to professionalism. But truly, if you are a teacher, you have no business drinking alcohol with your students. And if you are a teacher and you are attracted to a student you are drinking with, that is preliminaries to what you want to do to the child,” Duterte said.

“Kaya lagi kong sinasabi talaga sa mga teachers na you should be professional dahil you are dispensing service to these students who are your clients, and therefore you have to be unbiased and you have to be a role model to them,” she added.

The DepEd Child Protection Unit website, according to Duterte, will be the backbone of Filipino learners to know about safety threats.

The Learners TeleSafe Contact Center Helpline will address child abuse victims’ concerns, such as a possible backlash, victim shaming, or harsh physical punishment.