DepEd Declaration of Schools as Zones of Peace

Due to the recent incidents of violence and armed conflict in Marawi City and the bombings and firefights near schools in Mankayan Town in Benguet, both of which resulted in the disruption of classes, the Department of Education (DepEd) deems it essential and timely to reiterate DepEd Order (DO) No. 44, s. 2005 entitled Declaration of Schools as Zones of Peace.

August 08, 2005

DepEd Order No. 44, s. 2005

DECLARATION OF SCHOOLS AS ZONES OF PEACE

To:

Undersecretaries
Assistant Secretaries
Bureau Directors
Directors of Services/Centers and Heads of Units
Regional Directors
Schools Division/City Superintendents
Heads, Public Elementary and Secondary Schools

All Others Concerned

1. Whereas, under Republic Act No. 7610, known as the “Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act”, states that “… Children are hereby declared as Zones of Peace. It shall be the responsibility of the State and all other sectors concerned to resolve armed conflicts in order to promote the goal of children as zones of peace …” (Article X, Sec. 22).

2. Whereas, under Republic Act No. 9155, known as the “Governance on Basic Education Act of 2001 ”, one of the purposes and objectives of the Department of Education (DepED) is “to establish schools and learning centers as facilities where schoolchildren are able to learn a range of core competencies prescribed for elementary and high school education programs or where the out-of-school youth and adult learners are provided alternative learning programs and receive accreditation for at least the equivalent of a high school education” [Sec. 3(g)],

3. Whereas, the DpED is a direct service provider to Filipino children by providing quality basic education and is also a member of the Inter-Agency Committee in Children Involved in Armed Conflict (IAC-CIAC), which is under the oversight of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

4. Therefore, DepED affirms its commitment for the children by declaring the “Schools as Zones of Peace”.

5. Furthermore, all concerned personnel in the Central and field offices are mandated to make necessary actions to make all schools a place where children can receive utmost security and peace.

6. Immediate dissemination of and compliance with this Order is directed.

FE A. HIDALGO
Undersecretary
Officer-in-Charge


June 15, 2017

DepEd Memorandum No. 109, s. 2017

PUBLIC MANIFESTATION OF DEPED’S DECLARATION OF SCHOOLS AS ZONES OF PEACE, AS A REITERATION OF DEPED ORDER NO. 44, S. 2005

To:

Regional Secretary, ARMM
Regional Directors
Schools Division Superintendents
Public and Private Elementary and Secondary Schools Heads All Others Concerned

1. Due to the recent incidents of violence and armed conflict in Marawi City and the bombings and firefights near schools in Mankayan Town in Benguet, both of which resulted in the disruption of classes, the Department of Education (DepEd) deems it essential and timely to reiterate DepEd Order (DO) No. 44, s. 2005 entitled Declaration of Schools as Zones of Peace.

2. In the case of Marawi City, where as much as 20,000 learners are believed to be displaced, the Department has initiated interventions to accommodate these learners by extending enrolment until the end of June, and waiving the usual documentary requirements. DepEd believes that education must never stop, and instead should continue for these children to provide them hope, and bring back a sense of normalcy.

3. Worldwide, schools are universally treated as neutral zones despite being in the middle of intense armed conflict areas, and are free from the presence of armed combatants regardless of what side they are from. It is imperative that this point be stressed, and that the schools be accorded the same respect. Schools are places for learning, caring, and nurturing—a true second home for the learners.

4. Apart from reiterating the aforementioned DO, DepEd is also initiating a nationwide awareness campaign anchored on Schools as Zones of Peace.

5. In light of this, the following are instructed:

a. All schools are instructed to post the official tarpaulin designs size three by eight feet (copy enclosed) declaring schools as Zones of Peace, at least two on both sides of the school front gate, and on all other sides of or around the school to make the message prominent and noticeable;

b. Schools division and regional offices should assist in the reproduction of the aforementioned tarpaulins and ensure that all schools and offices have posted the said posters;

c. The Department enjoins all personnel, stakeholders and the community as a whole to actively participate in and/or establish peace building initiatives to ensure the safety of the learners, personnel, and schools; and

d. Encourage partnership and parallel efforts with respective local government units, local media, and other stakeholders to take part in the campaign.

6. Immediate dissemination of this Memorandum is desired.

LEONOR MAGTOLIS BRIONES
Secretary

Can't Find What You'RE Looking For?

We are here to help - please use the search box below.

Leave a Comment