NATONIN, Mountain Province – The Natonin Senior High School launched the Senior High School Forum on Child Protection recently wherein the Philippine National Police and the church leaders of different denominations expressed their support to the program.
The Senior High School Forum on Child Protection aims for positive youth development by providing opportunities to discuss and reflect on child protection issues based on quarter themes which are identity (1st quarter), responsibility and accountability (2nd quarter), trust and obedience (3rd quarter), and integrity (4th quarter).
A mass was held at San Roque Church which was celebrated by Rev. Ferdinand Fulatao and Rev. Allen Basilio in which both priests encouraged the congregation to establish one’s identity aligned with the word of God.
A short program followed at the Alumni Hall attended by the students, the faculty and the stakeholders in which the highlights are the MOA signing and the statements of commitment by the community volunteers particularly Pastor Delfin Sabiano, Pastor Ambrocio Simeon, Pastor Romeo Langtiwan, Pastora Margie Amoggao, Pastora Amy Aniwasal, and Chief of Police Yojean Cabay. They conveyed their desire and commitment to work with the faculty in handling the different classes simultaneously for one hour every Friday.
Nemia Lite, the outgoing principal, shared that the program is commonly known as Values Education and was approved by the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) in SY 2017-2018 initially to address adolescent reproductive health issues but was expanded to include other child protection topics such as anti-bullying, observance of laws, dealing with challenges, and drug and peace education.
She stated that the program is owned by the community of Natonin, not Natonin Senior High School only, as the different sectors will be working with the community volunteers in responding to the child protection needs of the students.
COP Cabay expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work with the senior high school students in implementing the program of Natonin Municipal Police Station “Pulis Ko, Minister Ko.” In a later interview, he stated that the SHS Forum on Child Protection has been integrated in the different activities of the police station.
PNP Provincial Director Senior Superintendent Allen Ocden, the guest speaker, articulated that the SHS Forum on Child Protection is aligned with the crime prevention mandate of the PNP.
He urged the different sectors of the community to work together in crime prevention and crime solution by reporting crime to the PNP, the barangay officials or the school authorities so that immediate action could be made by the concerned authorities to prevent incidents that will compromise the safety of the people in certain places.
In the afternoon, PD Ocden talked during the 2nd general PTA meeting and emphasized the need to do all means for the protection of the children.
Pastora Sidayao, the incoming school head, acknowledged the support of the different community volunteers and gave her commitment to continue the program initiated by the preceding school administration. MPPO Release
