The Department of Education in Ilocos Norte launched on Wednesday a new omnibus code to ensure discipline among learners, both in pubic elementary and secondary schools in the province.
Schools Division Superintendent Donato Balderas Jr. said the code aims to unify and update all courses of discipline among all schools in Ilocos Norte as it provides an established framework defining the rights and obligations of learners, prohibited acts, and appropriate disciplinary measures in case of violations.
The 24-page code was inspired by an incident wherein two students physically assaulted their teacher at the Piddig National High School last September.
“This is our gift to all learners under the Schools Division of Ilocos Norte,” he said, as he reiterated that the foundation of education and all other things is discipline.
After signing the document in a ceremony held at the Schools Divsion of Ilocos Norte, Balderas expressed hopes that the new policy would result to disciplined learners in the province.
“For the parents, students and teachers, this is not to penalize you but rather this comes to you with care and love, and respect as well because we want nothing but for you to become successful in your respective journey through life,” he said.
Among the highlights of the code include a comprehensive set of rules and procedure for the prevention of prohibited acts and management of disciplinary cases of learners in schools in compliance with the requirements of administrative due process, definite roles and responsibilities of school officials or personnel in the process of preventing prohibited acts defined under the code and managing disciplinary cases of learners to ensure a safe environment conducive to learning in schools.
Among the prohibited acts are bullying, sexual harassment, rape and sexual assault, assault of a person of authority while engaged in the performance of official duties, resistance and disobedience, academic cheating, stealing, smoking or vaping inside school premises, vandalism and or destruction of school property, gambling, and drinking of liquor and intoxication. (PNA)
