The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday, Feb. 9, shed light on a locally-developed document which wrongly depicted Igorots and maintained that it “does not tolerate discrimination.”
“Our internal investigation showed that this draft document was still undergoing quality assurance procedures but was mistakenly reproduced in good faith by some school personnel,” DepEd said in a statement referring to the case which was reported in Nueva Vizcaya.
“We would like to emphasize though that this erroneous document was not distributed to learners since the field offices concerned, upon learning about the incident, immediately withdrew the said document from circulation,” DepEd said.
As the government institution mandated to protect and promote quality, equitable, culture-based, and complete basic education, DepEd said that it “does not tolerate discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, or sexual orientation.”
DepEd said that it has released various issuances guided by international and national frameworks on equality. A series of trainings to uphold a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination were also conducted.
“Discrimination should have no place in our society,” DepEd said. “Our journey to ensure that our education promotes equality and respect for each other still has a long way to go and the Department is committed to do its part to eliminate discriminatory practices in schools and offices,” it added.
Meanwhile, DepEd also enjoined the public to address such practices. DepEd assured that “mechanisms are in place” in the Department to police such acts.
DepEd is calling on government institutions, local government units, media, sectoral leaders, community members, parents, and other stakeholders to to help creating a “safer, more respectful environment” for children. “We believe that this issue is not DepEd’s duty to advocate alone,” it added.
For issues on modules and other learning materials, DepEd said that the public may send their complaint to “DepEd Error Watch” which can be contacted through email ([email protected]); text or Viber message (0961-6805334); Facebook Messenger: DepEd Error Watch (@depederrorwatch) and Workplace Chat DepEd Error Watch (deped.workplace.com/groups/616392985671470/)