By Michelle Ducut
The Department of Education (DepEd) in Ilocos Norte unveiled a new omnibus code on Wednesday aimed at reinforcing discipline across public elementary and secondary schools in the province.
Schools Division Superintendent Donato Balderas Jr. signed the 24-page code, which outlines students’ rights and responsibilities, specifies prohibited behaviors, and establishes disciplinary measures to address violations. This initiative responds to concerns about student conduct, highlighted by an incident in September where two students at Piddig National High School physically assaulted a teacher.
Balderas described the code as a framework to unify disciplinary practices across schools in Ilocos Norte, ensuring a clear and consistent approach to handling misconduct. “This is our gift to all learners in the Schools Division of Ilocos Norte,” Balderas stated, emphasizing the role of discipline as a fundamental component of education.
The code includes procedures for addressing prohibited actions while upholding administrative due process, and it delineates the roles and responsibilities of school personnel in maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment. Among the actions classified as prohibited are bullying, sexual harassment, assault on school personnel, disobedience, academic dishonesty, theft, vandalism, smoking or vaping on school grounds, gambling, and intoxication.
The DepEd Ilocos Norte leadership hopes that the new code will foster a culture of respect and accountability, ultimately contributing to a safer and more conducive learning environment for students across the province.