Cagayan de Oro college issues 'love ban'

In some schools and colleges, students are not allowed to dye their hair, male students cannot wear earings.

But one of the school rules at the Golden Heritage Polytechnic College in Cagayan de Oro City stands out, students are not allowed to fall in love, GMA's Jun Veneracion reported for "Saksi."

For the students who violate the "love ban," they face the penalty of being expelled from the school. The objective of the rule is to avoid unwanted pregnancy.

Colleges officials said the parents were consulted and that they agree to the rule.

The Commission on Higher Education or CHEd, has yet to issue a reaction on the school's policy.

However, the Department of Education (DepEd), which supervises elementary and high schools, is not in favor of the unique rule.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones said: "Hindi pwedeng i-ban. Hindi rin dapat gawing grounds for expulsion o hindi pag-admit ang pagkakaroon ng relationship."

Dr. Ponciano Menguito, DepEd National Capital Region director said the rule may not be effectively implemented.

"Kung minsan ang mga bata kung kelan pipipigilan lalo nilang gagawin eh," he said.

DepEd also believes that love or even having a crush can also serve as an inspiration for students to go to school and to study.

A school official warned that relationships should be healthy.

"Sana healthy relationship, walang PDA yung sinasabi nating Public Display of Affection. Hindi lang sa loob ng campus, anywhere," said Victoria Mangosong, San Francisco High School head. — with Michael Tolang/BAP, GMA News