DepEd creates BANSA national peace framework

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday created a national peace framework to strengthen, not only the agency’s commitment to upholding a culture of peace, but also its call for safer and conflict-free schools and learning institutions.

Dubbed as Balangkas ng Nagkakaisang Sambayanan (BANSA), DepEd said the program seeks to uphold children’s right to basic education, promote their welfare, and enhance their opportunities to grow and live.

“DepEd is fully committed to ensuring the protection of learners and schools in conflict-affected areas and the continuity of education during periods of armed conflict,” Education Secretary Leonor Briones said in a news release.

“We also want to guarantee that the right of all citizens to quality and accessible education at all levels and for the right of children is protected,” she added.

Based on the DepEd Order No. 16, series of 2022, the department will actively participate in keeping peace and order amid conflicts in the country through initiatives and projects in delivering quality and inclusive basic education under the K-12 program.

The BANSA outline shall be guided by good governance, transparency, culture and conflict-sensitivity, and empowerment.

It identifies Access to Quality Education, Equity Responsive Initiatives, and Character Formation as the most effective strategies for the initiative, according to DepEd.

The department also expressed its commitment to proactively partake in inter-agency meetings and engagements to amplify the importance of education and the safety of the learners and teachers amid localized or national disputes.

“DepEd officials and personnel are enjoined to adopt this Balangkas ng Nagkakaisang Sambayanan. BANSA will serve as DepEd’s Peace Framework in line with the government’s thrust of inclusive and sustainable peace through the whole-of-nation approach in achieving good governance,” said Undersecretary for Administration Alain Del Pascua.

Some of the provisions from the recently released DepEd Order are in line with DepEd Order No. 32, s. 2019 or the National Policy Framework on Learners and Schools as Zones of Peace.

To oversee the department’s participation in peacebuilding initiatives, the DepEd Central Office BANSA Peace Core Team will be established, and will be composed of representatives from the Offices of the Undersecretary for Administration and Curriculum and Instruction, and the Alternative Learning System Task Force.

They will also be joined by the Indigenous Peoples Education Office, Planning Service, Public Affairs Service, Legal Service, Information and Communications Technology Service, Bureau of Learner Support Services, and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service. — DVM, GMA News