The Department of Education (DepEd) reiterated the “strict implementation of and compliance” with DepEd Order No. 32, s. 2017 or the “Gender Responsive Basic Education Policy” in all elementary and high schools nationwide.
The order provides “guidelines for Gender-Responsive Basic Education that shall allow the Department to integrate the principles of gender equality, gender equity, gender positivity, non-discrimination, and human rights in the provision and governance of basic education.”
The reiteration was made in line with the opening of classes for School Year 2022-2023 and the gradual resumption of in-person classes.
This is also amid the reports on cases of alleged sexual harrasment in several schools in the country.
Based on the order, Deped shall “undertake gender-mainstreaming to address basic education issues and concerns pertaining to gender and sexuality.”
This is to ensure that all learners are “protected from all forms of gender-related violence, abuse, exploitation, discrimination and bullying, and to promote gender equality and non-discrimination in all governance levels.”
The said order will allow each student and teacher to fully express their gender according to their identities, orientation and expression. – Katrina Gracia Consebido-ag
