By Gabriela Baron
The Department of Education (DepEd) tapped the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to probe the alleged harassment and abuse at the Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA).
Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte requested on Tuesday, July 12, the investigation body to “provide a comprehensive report on the issue as soon as possible.”
PHSA, the country’s specialized public high school offering arts-focused education, has been under fire following reports of harassment and abuse endured by students.
The Department also tapped the NBI Child Protection Unit and Child Rights in Education Desk to conduct a similar investigation in relation with the agency’s Child Protection Policy.
“The Department and PHSA Administration are currently reviewing the school’s existing policies and strengthening its internal mechanisms to ensure the safety of the students inside the premises of the institution,” DepEd said.
“The Department would like to reiterate that the agency does not tolerate abuses in any form. Under the strong leadership of Secretary Sara Duterte, DepEd will continuously promote a healthy and safe environment for our learners and teachers.”
Safe learning environment
In a statement released July 6, PHSA assured that its “school personnel are working hand in hand towards providing our students a safe learning environment, whether online or in Makiling.”
“As felt by many of our alumni, teachers, and staff, some of whom have worked at PHSA for more than 20 years, the sweeping generalization, as shown in the articles portraying the PHSA as haven for abuse is unfair,” PHSA said.
“PHSA, just like any other institution, is not perfect,” it continued.
PHSA also assured that it “sympathizes with our alumni who complained of past abuses” and urged complainants to file complaints “with the proper forum.”
It then vowed to “further improve” measures to ensure the safety and well-being of its students, including monitoring and disallowing rehearsals and group activities after curfew hours when in-house classes begin. – ag
