Status in the Implementation of the Department of Education Child Protection Policy

Schools play a vital role in safeguarding learners through the implementation of child protection policies and programs. This study assessed the status and challenges in the implementation of the Department of Education (DepEd) Child Protection during the School Year 2022–2023. Specifically, it examined the extent of implementation in terms of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Campaign, Capacity Building, Linkages and Coordination, Implementation and Monitoring, and Evaluation, as well as the significant differences in implementation when respondents were grouped according to profile variables. The study employed a quantitative descriptive research design. A total of 300 elementary school teachers from six selected school districts were chosen through random sampling. Data were gathered using a validated researcher-made questionnaire and analyzed using mean, independent-samples t-test, and one-way ANOVA. Findings revealed that the overall implementation of the DepEd Child Protection Program was generally “implemented” to “moderately implemented.” Among the five indicators, IEC Campaign obtained the highest overall mean, indicating that awareness campaigns and dissemination of child protection policies were actively conducted in schools. However, Capacity Building, Linkages and Coordination, Implementation and Monitoring, and Evaluation were only moderately implemented, with Implementation and Monitoring receiving the lowest mean score. Statistical analysis further revealed significant differences in the status of implementation when respondents were grouped according to district, educational attainment, years of teaching experience, and number of child protection trainings attended. In contrast, no significant differences were found when respondents were grouped according to gender and ethnicity.