Schools eyed as venues for civic, safety and children’s rights education

THE education committee, chaired by Councilor Moreno “Jing” Daba IV, is set to deliberate on a proposed ordinance seeking to institutionalize lessons on civic responsibility, public safety, environmental protection, proper waste management, social etiquette, and children’s rights in the curriculum of primary and secondary schools in Cagayan de Oro City.

The measure also seeks to encourage child participation in local governance, while promoting greater awareness among young learners of their responsibilities as members of the community.

Authored by Councilor Desiree Ann M. Dahino, the proposed ordinance will cover all public and private primary and secondary schools, in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd).

Under the proposal, schools will be encouraged to incorporate localized civic education lessons and activities into existing subjects, homeroom guidance sessions, student development programs, and extracurricular activities.

These may include classroom discussions, seminars, community-based projects, and hands-on activities designed to help students better understand civic duties and community concerns.

The proposed implementation will also involve coordination among the City Social Welfare and Development Department, City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office, Roads and Traffic Administration, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department, and other concerned city offices and agencies.

The initiative aims to provide students with practical knowledge and values that can help foster responsible, informed, environmentally conscious, and community-oriented young citizens. (JAO/SP)