Mindanao schools to post ‘peace zone’ streamers

“This school is a peace zone” should be written in the streamers, according to Briones. (PNA PHOTO)

MANILA— Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor Briones is requiring all schools in Mindanao to post streamers indicating that they are a “peace zone”.

“This school is a peace zone” should be written in the streamers, according to Briones.

Briones said this in light of the ongoing Marawi crisis, and as the agency strongly advocates for the signing of the Declaration of Schools as Zones of Peace.

“Whatever happens to our country, education must continue. Learners should not wait, ” she pointed out.

Last June, days after the Marawi crisis started, DepEd has reiterated the need to adhere to the Declaration of Schools as Zones of Peace.

Briones noted that schools worldwide are treated neutral zones in areas where there is armed conflict. Schools must be free from armed combatants, she added.

In March, during the 2nd International Conference on Safe Schools in Buenos Aires, Argentina, DepEd expressed its desire for the government to sign the Declaration to protect schools and children from armed conflict.