SAN FERNANDO CITY – With its aim to train teachers on the use of non-violent strategies to discipline learners, the Department of Education Regional Office I held a workshop on positive discipline at the National Educators Academy of the Philippines-Region I (NEAP RI), San Fernando City, La Union on March 8-14.

The core concepts of child protection were discussed among the participants composed of presidents of Federated Parent-Teacher Association (FPTA), guidance counselors or designates, school heads, and education supervisors.

Human Resource Development Division (HRDD) Chief Dinah C. Bonao emphasized among the participants the importance of positive discipline in this post-millennial era.

 “Corporal punishment is already outdated; it is undeniably ineffective,” Bonao said as she explained that positive discipline is implemented not to correct the mistakes of the learners but to guide them in their learning.

The sessions revolved around the bill on positive discipline and Child Protection Policy stipulated in DepEd Order No. 40, s. 2020.

One of the facilitators, Johnson P. Sunga, a DepEd supervisor, said that teachers must understand the development of children to implement positive discipline.

On the other hand, Education Program Supervisor Maria Teresa M. Bautista said that warmth and structure are imperative to apply positive discipline.

Other facilitators were Edgar Olua, DepEd supervisor; Elmer Belmonte, guidance counselor; Anabella Dingwasen, guidance counselor; Randy de Guzman, guidance counselor; and Rommel Casabar, school head.

“The training is very timely. Learners today are different, so we need a different approach,” DepEd Division Supervisor Emeterio F. Soniega, Jr. said as an impression about the workshop.

Meanwhile, Kathleen May M. Bautista, a human resource specialist, said the training would be rolled out in the schools divisions within the calendar year.

 “We are hoping that funds will be downloaded for this purpose,” Bautista added.

By Johnson P. Sunga, EPS-HRDD