14/08/2026
MILESTONE | DepEd Order No. 006 takes center stage at North High focus group discussion
GENERAL TRIAS CITY β DepEd Luis Y. Ferrer Jr. North National High School (LYFJNNHS) conducted a comprehensive Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on "Guidance in Action: Strengthening Safe and Motivating Learning Environments Through DepEd No. 006, s. 2026" on August 13, 2026, at the North High Junction Hall. The initiative, spearheaded by North High Guidance Advocate Ms. Inky Jane Perez Estipona Latumbo, brought together teachers, parents, students, and school personnel to deepen their understanding of the Department of Education's landmark policy on creating secure and nurturing educational spaces.
North High Principal Mr. Patt Cruzada delivered the opening remarks and inspirational message, emphasizing the school's unwavering commitment to learner welfare and holistic development. "Creating a safe and motivating learning environment is not just a policy requirement β it is our moral obligation to every child entrusted to our care. Today's discussion will empower us all to become active partners in building a school culture where every learner feels valued, protected, and inspired to reach their full potential," Mr. Cruzada stated, setting the tone for the day's collaborative engagement.
Atty. Aaron Anthony S. Labordo, Legal Officer of the Schools Division Office (SDO) of DepEd General Trias City, served as the resource speaker, delivering an in-depth presentation on "Understanding DepEd Order No. 006, s. 2026: Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment." Atty. Labordo explained that the order establishes a comprehensive framework for preventing and addressing bullying, violence, discrimination, and other forms of misconduct in schools while promoting positive discipline and learner-centered approaches. "DepEd Order No. 006 is a game-changer in Philippine education. It clearly delineates the rights and responsibilities of all stakeholders β learners, teachers, parents, and school personnel β and provides actionable mechanisms to ensure that our schools become sanctuaries of learning, not sources of fear or anxiety," Atty. Labordo emphasized. He further elaborated on the order's provisions regarding due process, restorative justice practices, and the establishment of school-based child protection committees.
Ms. Latumbo, who conceptualized and organized the FGD, highlighted the critical importance of translating policy into practice through sustained dialogue and capacity-building. "This focus group discussion is just the beginning of our journey toward fully implementing DepEd Order No. 006. By bringing together all members of our school community, we can co-create solutions that are contextually relevant and genuinely responsive to the needs of our learners," Ms. Latumbo explained. A teacher attendee, Ms. Ana Claire Race Bataller, shared her insights: "The discussion on positive discipline strategies has given me practical tools to manage my classroom more effectively while respecting student dignity. I now understand that discipline should be about teaching, not punishing."
Parent representative and School Parent and Teachers Association (SPTA) President Ms. Aj Lalong Isip expressed appreciation for being included in the conversation, stating, "As parents, we sometimes feel disconnected from what happens in school. This FGD has opened our eyes to our crucial role in creating a safe environment for all children, not just our own. We are partners in this mission." Grade 10 learner and Supreme Secondary Learner Government (SSLG) President Micaela Danielle A. Casuyon, added a youth perspective: "Knowing that there are clear policies protecting us from bullying and that our voices matter in school decisions makes me feel safer and more motivated to participate actively in school activities. We students also have responsibilities, and this discussion helped us understand what those are."
The FGD successfully achieved its objectives of increasing awareness of DepEd Order No. 006, s. 2026, developing a school-based action plan for implementation, and strengthening multi-stakeholder partnerships. Participants engaged in collaborative workshops that produced concrete strategies for reducing incidents of bullying, violence, and misconduct while promoting learner-centered classroom management approaches. The event concluded with a commitment from all stakeholders to work collectively in fostering a school culture anchored on respect, inclusivity, and the holistic development of every learner, reinforcing North High's reputation as an institution that prioritizes both academic excellence and student well-being.