Secretary Luisitro : Education sector, an active participant in the peace process

"We are not only recipients of a successful peace process, we are also active participants in the process. We include peace in our curriculum; we bring the dialogue of different cultures.” - - Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC 

Koronadal, South Cotabato -- Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC emphasized the role of education on the peace process in his keynote address on the 4th Regional Research Congress and 1st Communication Festival in Region 12 (SOCCSKSARGEN) held February 11.

“DepEd has always advocated peace. Even before peace process, we put “zone of peace” banners in our schools to emphasize our support to the process,” Luistro said, adding that students were the first affected by any armed conflict due to cancellation of classes and disruption of the learning process. 

Under DepEd Order (DO) no. 44 s. 2005, it is stated that all concerned personnel in the Central and field offices must make the necessary actions to ensure the safety and security of students in each school. This was reiterated by DepEd Memorandum no. 221, s. 2013 which ensures the rights of children even during armed conflicts.

“Kung may alitan sa labas ng lipunan, ang hindi pagkakaunawaan sa iba’t ibang kultura, lumalabas [ito] sa interaksyon ng mga bata sa isa’t isa,” Luistro said emphasizing the importance of inculcating tolerance among students to promote peace in schools.

The education also chief stressed that “in any conflict in the Philippines, for as long as it can be discussed, it can be resolved.”