Classrooms must be ‘healthy and wholesome’ – DepEd

By: Gerome Dalipe

CLASSROOMS should be both a “healthy and wholesome” environment for learning by students, the Department of Education (DepEd) said.

A DepEd statement said it empowers teachers to effectively deliver their lessons in various approaches and strategies.

“The public is assured that this matter will be dealt with in a just and objective manner strictly adhering to statutory policies in the department,” the statement said.

DepEd issued the statement after a male public school teacher showed his Grade 10 students a video with the title “Girl’s Guide to 21st Century Sex” in Ajuy, Iloilo last week.

DepEd Division of Iloilo has already created an Ad-hoc committee that will investigate the case.

Mayor Jett Rojas, of Ajuy, Iloilo confirmed the teacher already resigned following the controversy.

Rojas agreed with the findings of the Philippine National Police-Women and Children’s Protection Desk (PNP-WCPD) of Ajuy that the video is not for students, but for married couples.

Rojas said he has yet to submit his formal letter of complaint to DepEd-Division of Iloilo.

Dr. Roel F. Bermejo, DepEd-Division of Iloilo superintendent, said he also directed the Pili National High School to submit an incident report.

Bermejo said that he has assigned a team to probe the controversy.

He directed the school principal to submit an incident report as soon as possible.

Bermejo said the teachers should make their classroom not only a “conducive” place but also a healthy and wholesome environment for learning.

“The department is serious in implementing mechanisms anchored on Child Protection Policy where every learner is protected from child abuse and his right and dignity are upheld,” read the DepEd statement.