The Department of Education (DepEd) has mandated the institutionalization of Personal Safety Lessons (PSL) in elementary and secondary schools nationwide, this is as a recognition that children are at a constant risk to threats of a cruel and violent environment.
“Because of the tender age and weak physical attributes of children, they are often the victims of abuse and exploitation,” said DepEd Secretary Jesli Lapus.
A multidisciplinary team (MDT) in the locale will be organized to support the schools in the course of PSL presentation. The MDT will consist of representatives from DepEd, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Local Government Unit (LGU), Philippine National Police, and Department of Justice.
The team will be trained by Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Sexual Abuse (CPTCSA). The CPTCSA, a non profit organization is recognized as the leading agency in providing information and technology on child-centered prevention and treatment of child sexual abuse in the schools.
DepEd Division Office and CPTCSA will work together to raise funding for the implementation of PSL. (DepEd)
