LAGAWE, Ifugao – – Don Bosco High School (DBHS) in the capital town of Lagawe has always been in pursuit of making a difference in the lives of the young. On the other hand, the Provincial Social Welfare Development Office (PSWDO) also shares this aspiration. It is dedicated to its mission to promote the well-being of the youth in Ifugao thus, create an environment conducive to youngsters’ development.
DBHS principal Daniel Baguista Jr., Family Council president Godfrey Dominong and PSWDO head Joseline Niwane assured the students of this Catholic Church- operated school that their welfare is highly prioritized and misdeeds such as the use of prohibited drugs, bullying, vandalism and the likes have no place in a respected learning institution as this one.
At an orientation activity on peer assistance leadership program, Baguista called on the students to refrain from committing “wrong and improper acts” and instead concentrate on their studies. The activity was conducted at the auditorium.
While Dominong noted that the school’s emphasis for the peer leadership program is laudable. He challenged the students to actively take part in the program and offer their leadership to God and country.
In an exclusive interview with the ZigZag Weekly, Dominong declared: “It behooves everybody to act on societal ills such as drug addiction and get together and ensure that this menace in our homes, offices and even in campuses is contained immediately.”
The ill-effects of the (drug) problem compel us to join hands to stop it and contribute ultimately for the creation of a society freed of the drug scourge,” he added.
An alumnus of the DBHS, Dominong is the general manager of the Ifugao Global Entrepreneurs Multi-purpose Cooperative (IGEMCO).
For her part, Ms. Niwane made the government’s position very clear about President Duterte’s agenda on the anti-drug abuse drive.
In another interview with her after the program, Niwane asserted that her office “remains committed in taking an active role in addressing the challenges faced by young people.”
“We look forward to working closely with educators and all others in implementing our projects,” Niwane said.
The PEER leadership program is a noteworthy initiative and should be harnessed to help provide the youthful learners in this part of the region with the much-needed guidance and inspiration.
Verily, the capacity, capability, expertise and resources of the PSWDO have given the cutting-edge mechanism to ensure its realization.
At the said forum, concerns on teenage pregnancy, gambling and alcoholism were also discussed by the main resource speaker in the person of Ms. Niwane.
Like most schools in Ifugao, DBHS adheres to the Department of Education’s (DepEd) zero tolerance policy on child abuse, exploitation, discrimination and violence.
Cases of abuse and violence in Ifugao’s public and private schools are sources of fear and alarm among parents in recent times. According to the DepEd, for school year 2014-15, there were 11,448 incidents of bullying nationwide.
Under the provisions of Republic Act 10627, otherwise known as the anti-bullying act, elementary and secondary schools are required to adopt policies and address bullying in their institutions. Principal author of the law is former Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago.
Stern measures taken against erring students involved in bullying incidents form a new dimension in the campaign of the academe and Parents-Teachers Associations (PTA) officers throughout the country.
Relatedly, an all-out action against the drug abuse problem with the support of all sectors will be important.
Elena Otgalen and Asiefelia Tuguinay also took part in the activity. Family council officers were in attendance. The council is also composed of Daniel Dinamling, vice president; Susan Wangiwang, secretary; Jeda Monayao, treasurer; Alma Tayaban, auditor; Janelyn Abella, public relations officer; and Fely Bautista and Fely Gumidil, business managers.
Meanwhile, Baguista has announced the conduct of a capacity-building seminar for DBHS teachers on Oct. 24 to 26. It is intended to increase the knowledge of mentors and provide them updates on the K-12 curriculum. The activity is also sponsored by the Family Council.
The DBHS is one of the two schools in Lagawe that offers senior high school courses. The Ayangan National Agriculture and Vocational High School at barangay Ponghal is the other one.**By Anthony A. Araos
