|
Thursday, October 28, 2004
Cebu guv worries over pupils' security, decency
By Jeanette P. Malinao and Jovy S. Taghoy
* Panel of investigators from Department of Education sent to Santander, Cebu to investigate alleged molestation of seven Girl Scouts camping there last weekend
* Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia finds disturbing failure of organizers to secure police protection for the young campers
* Gwen says she is "vulgarized" to see children in school programs dancing to "ocho-ocho" in scanty attire
CEBU CITY -- The fact that school authorities in Santander, Cebu did not coordinate with local officials to secure a campsite for girl scouts is "disturbing," according to Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia.
She said school officials "should respect" the local mayor by informing and coordinating with him or her on activities so security measures can be put in place.
Garcia also expressed "extreme misgivings" on the "seeming nonchalance of teachers, who have looked beyond the norms of decency."
The governor was "vulgarized" to see children in school programs dancing to "Bulaklak or Ocho-ocho" in scanty attires.
"It's a terrible sight, looking at the innocent faces of these children who don't even understand the implication of their movements. Now we start wondering, could this be the reason we have child molestation and even rape?" asked the governor.
Probe
A panel of investigators from the Department of Education (DepEd) provincial office was sent to Santander Wednesday to investigate the alleged molestation of at least seven elementary pupils while participating in a district affair of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines.
DepEd Provincial Director Recaredo Borgonia told Sun.Star the panel led by administrative officer Virgilio Suan will find out the extent of the reported molestation.
Investigators will also determine the possible administrative penalty of the officials and organizers for their failure to work with the police on the pupils' safety.
Borgonia issued on Wednesday a memorandum reminding all district supervisors and other school authorities to coordinate with local officials and the police when conducting extra-curricular activities like camping.
For her part, Governor Garcia called Santander Mayor Wilson Wenceslao, who told her the organizers did not coordinate with him about the activity.
Provincial Board (PB) Member Agnes Magpale, head of the PB committee on women, children and family, found it "ironic" that the molestation of the girl scouts happened in October, Children's Month.
Ironic
It's more ironic considering that scouting is supposed to teach responsible leadership and yet, organizers of the Santander affair failed in this respect, she said.
It is also "lamentable" that the news broke just as the provincial sub-committee for children was meeting to map out plans to have the proposed Children's Code approved, Magpale added.
As chairperson of the local school board, Governor Garcia requested DepEd to spread the information that she does not want to be subjected again to "vulgar" dances in schools she visits.
"It's a tragic murder of our values. Why must we resort to vulgarity when we are rich in our cultural heritage? It's about time all of us be reminded of the fact that we're supposed to be teaching our children decency and propriety," said the governor.
Lesson
Last Sunday, a drunk man reportedly sneaked into the room of girl scouts who were sleeping inside an elementary school in Santander and touched the private parts of seven girls.
"This is a lesson to all of us. If there are activities to be conducted, the local government must be informed for security, monitoring and other assistance," said Garcia.
"It's about foresight. We should always never assume, and always expect the unexpected," the governor added.
Magpale said that "in this day and age of vicious influence of alcohol and drugs," people should never be lenient on security, especially on children.
The Santander Police Station headed by Insp. David Villanueva investigated the incident after receiving reports last Sunday that a drunk outsider managed to sneak inside the school without the organizers' knowledge.
The pupils represented their school, some six kilometers away from Poblacion, Santander.
Borgonia said the result of the investigation, which Suan is expected to submit today, will help DepEd create measures to prevent similar assaults.
(October 28, 2004 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
|
|
|
[return to top]
[home]
|
|
