An advocate of the gay community has lauded the Department of Education (DepEd) for institutionalizing a “gender responsive basic education policy” in all elementary and high schools across the country.
LGBTQIA+ member and advocate Mela Franco Habijan shared on a Facebook post a memorandum signed by the Department of Education about the strict implementation and compliance of the DepEd Order No. 32, s. 2017 for the upcoming opening of school year 2022-2023 and the gradual return of students to in-person classes.
The Miss Trans Global 2020 cited the memo signed by Education Undersecretary. Revsee Escobedo and Assistant Secretary Francis Cesar Bringas enunciating the guidelines in protecting the rights and safety of all genders.
The memo enjoined school officials and personnel to address basic education issues and concerns involving gender and sexuality, ensure the protection of all learners from gender-related violence, abuse, exploitation, discrimination, and bullying, to promote gender equality and non-discrimination in all governance levels.
The DepEd also committed to make a gender-responsive strategic framework, to mainstream gender in all policies and programs, projects, and activities, to ensure gender equality in staffing and create an enabling work environment, and to strengthen gender and developmental institutional mechanisms.
“LGBTQIA+ kids, simula sa araw na ito, malaya na tayong maging tayo sa paaralan!” Habijan said on the post which she addressed to not only the students but also the teachers. Windie Khyla Pultam