DepEd says no to corporal punishment

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday said it does not consent to any form of corporal punishment or humiliation inflicted on a learner even as it called attention to two incidents last week in Iriga City, where two students were hit by their teachers over minor offenses.

“While the DepEd is one with the belief that education should also instill and reinforce the values of respect, responsibility, and discipline—it does not, without reservations, condone any act of violence or abuse in the conduct thereof,” Education Secretary Leonor Briones said in a statement.

Briones urged all teachers and school officials to uphold the rights and the welfare of the students, citing the department’s policy and guidelines for the protection of children in school from abuse, violence, exploitation, discrimination, bullying and other forms of abuse.

She said Republic Act No. 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act also guarantees that learners’ rights are protected.

“Let it be remembered that children learn best by doing and that during the years they spend in school, they are most heavily influenced by authority figures,” Briones said.