Latest news with #Implementation
GMA Network
a day ago
- GMA Network
DepEd to field offices: Intensify measures vs. school-based violence
The Department of Education (DepEd) called on its field offices to increase vigilance and implement stricter preventive measures against school-based violence following a shooting incident in Nueva Ecija. 'In view of recent incidents involving school-based violence, the Department of Education (DepEd) reiterates its commitment to maintaining safe and protective learning environments for all learners, teachers, and school personnel,' the agency said in a memorandum. The DepEd maintained that in its order (DO) No. 40, s. 2012, titled DepEd Child Protection Policy, 'all learners and school personnel are prohibited from committing acts of violence, abuse, and exploitation, as well as from introducing into the school premises or otherwise possessing prohibited articles such as deadly weapons, drugs, alcohol, toxic and noxious substances, and pornographic materials, among others.' Meanwhile, DO 007, s. 2024, titled the Policy Guidelines on the Implementation of the Revised School-Based Management System, stressed that school communities have a shared duty to ensure that learning environments are safe, secure, inclusive, resilient, and learner-centered. The DepEd thus directed all regional offices, schools division offices, and schools to enhance the implementation and monitoring of safety measures and violence prevention strategies, including but not limited to the following: a. Strict enforcement of security protocols, such as the inspection of belongings upon entry to the school, increased visibility of security personnel, and the regulation of access to the school premises through controlled entry and exit points; b. Prohibition of firearms and other prohibited articles within school premises; c. Strengthening of policy implementation and reportorial mechanisms for incidents of child abuse, exploitation, discrimination, violence, threats, bullying, gang and gender-related violence, and other similar cases; d. Provision of responsive learner support services, including programs on mental health, youth development, and psychosocial well-being; e. Close coordination with local government units, barangay officials, and the Philippine National Police to monitor external threats and to ensure the safety and security of learners and school personnel; f. Development and implementation of localized school safety plans and contingency protocols; and g. Other activities that promote the protection and the improvement of the overall well-being of learners, personnel, and other stakeholders. The Department of Education Central Office had strongly denounced the recent incident of violence that happened at Sta. Rosa Integrated School in Nueva Ecija, in which two individuals were hurt. Police earlier said a 15-year-old female student was in critical condition after her ex-boyfriend shot her inside a classroom in Barangay Rizal. The victim was shot in the neck after the 18-year-old suspect entered the classroom "without provocation." Citing witnesses, police narrated that the suspect drew a .22 caliber firearm from his waist and shot the victim before turning the gun on himself. The 18-year-old man passed away more than 24 hours after the shooting. 'Heartbreaking' In a statement, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines said it strongly condemns the shooting incident that happened inside a classroom at the Sta. Rosa Integrated School in Nueva Ecija on August 7. 'In light of this heartbreaking incident, ACT reiterates that school safety requires deep and meaningful investments in psychosocial support systems, emotional education, and a learning environment that is attentive to the complex mental health needs of students,' the ACT said. 'What our schools urgently need are guidance counselors, mental health professionals, and an education system that teaches empathy, emotional regulation, and respect for others,' ACT Chairperson Vladimer Quetua said. The group stressed that in spite of the recent release of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Anti-Bullying Act, schools continue to suffer from apparent resource gaps, including the ratio of guidance counselors to students of one counselor for every 14,000 learners. ACT also pointed out the serious lack of school nurses, psychologists, and learner support aides — professionals who are essential to address the mental health and psychosocial needs of students. 'Teachers are already overworked with non-teaching tasks. Without sufficient support staff, the responsibility to handle violent or traumatic incidents is unfairly and dangerously dumped on them. No policy can succeed without real personnel, infrastructure, and psychosocial programs in place,' said Quetua. The teacher's group also called on DepEd to conduct a thorough investigation and to treat the tragedy as a 'wake-up call' for structural reforms. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
Sydney Morning Herald
3 days ago
- Politics
- Sydney Morning Herald
Key Queensland women's safety oversight role quietly scrapped
The news The Crisafulli government quietly abandoned a key plank of the landmark women's safety and police inquiry reports, handing the work of publicly overseeing progress on major reforms to an advisory panel and a new departmental office. The Independent Implementation Supervisor role – formerly handed to Cathy Taylor for a minimum two-year term in March 2023 – and the office supporting it, was wound up this year with no public acknowledgement from the government. The office's website remains online, with no mention the role no longer exists. The only public reference to its end was a LinkedIn post from Taylor and remarks from Minister Amanda Camm at a media conference on a weekend in January. Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Minister Amanda Camm confirmed in a statement the office 'ceased' in February and was replaced by a new advisory panel and an office established within her department. Why it matters In the first of her Hear Her Voice reports in 2021, Margaret McMurdo AC made calls for sweeping reforms across the criminal justice, policing and corrections systems to support victim-survivors of sexual assault, and also those accused, or found guilty of, a crime. 'Importantly, the [Women's Safety and Justice] Taskforce recommends the appointment of an independent implementation supervisor so the public will know the progress of the implementation of its proposed reforms,' the report stated.
The Age
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Age
Key Queensland women's safety oversight role quietly scrapped
The news The Crisafulli government quietly abandoned a key plank of the landmark women's safety and police inquiry reports, handing the work of publicly overseeing progress on major reforms to an advisory panel and a new departmental office. The Independent Implementation Supervisor role – formerly handed to Cathy Taylor for a minimum two-year term in March 2023 – and the office supporting it, was wound up this year with no public acknowledgement from the government. The office's website remains online, with no mention that the role no longer exists. The only public statement seen by this masthead was a LinkedIn post from Taylor five months ago revealing she had 'finished my time' in the position. Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Minister Amanda Camm confirmed in a statement the office 'ceased' in February and was replaced by a new advisory panel and an office established within her department. Why it matters In the first of her Hear Her Voice reports in 2021, Margaret McMurdo AC made calls for sweeping reforms across the criminal justice, policing and corrections systems to support victim-survivors of sexual assault, and also those accused, or found guilty of, a crime. 'Importantly, the [Women's Safety and Justice] Taskforce recommends the appointment of an independent implementation supervisor so the public will know the progress of the implementation of its proposed reforms,' the report stated.
New Straits Times
01-08-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Penang delays new water tariff until July 2026
GEORGE TOWN: Penang has decided to postpone the implementation of the new water tariff under the Tariff Setting Mechanism (TSM) for the Second Implementation Period (TP2) scheduled from today until July next year. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the one-year delay was expected to benefit approximately 715,957 consumers across the state. "The decision was made to allow more time for further preparation and adjustments," he said today. Chow said, under the revised tariff, the majority of domestic users in Penang would see a moderate increase in their monthly water bills. Specifically, 79.88 per cent of the 613,660 residential consumers who use up to 35 cubic meters (m³) of water per month will face an increase ranging from RM0.30 to RM2.55. Meanwhile, 95.38 per cent of the 98,155 non-domestic users (businesses) consuming up to 200 m³ of water per month will see their bills rise by between RM3.60 and RM35.70 monthly. "This new tariff structure is expected to generate an additional RM20 million for the Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang (PBAPP) over a six-month period next year. "The additional revenue will be allocated towards ongoing water supply service upgrades, with more details to be announced in the future," he said. This move highlights the government's commitment to improving water supply services while managing the impact on consumers. It was reported that new water tariff rates for Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan had been gazetted, and would come into force today. With the exception of Perak and Labuan, the domestic tariff rates had gone up in all states. It was reported earlier this year that the Penang government planned to delay the implementation of a proposed water tariff revision by at least six months.
New Straits Times
01-08-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Penang delays new water tariff until July 2016
GEORGE TOWN: Penang has decided to postpone the implementation of the new water tariff under the Tariff Setting Mechanism (TSM) for the Second Implementation Period (TP2) scheduled from today until July next year. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the one-year delay was expected to benefit approximately 715,957 consumers across the state. "The decision was made to allow more time for further preparation and adjustments," he said today. Chow said, under the revised tariff, the majority of domestic users in Penang would see a moderate increase in their monthly water bills. Specifically, 79.88 per cent of the 613,660 residential consumers who use up to 35 cubic meters (m³) of water per month will face an increase ranging from RM0.30 to RM2.55. Meanwhile, 95.38 per cent of the 98,155 non-domestic users (businesses) consuming up to 200 m³ of water per month will see their bills rise by between RM3.60 and RM35.70 monthly. "This new tariff structure is expected to generate an additional RM20 million for the Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang (PBAPP) over a six-month period next year. "The additional revenue will be allocated towards ongoing water supply service upgrades, with more details to be announced in the future," he said. This move highlights the government's commitment to improving water supply services while managing the impact on consumers. It was reported that new water tariff rates for Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan had been gazetted, and would come into force today. With the exception of Perak and Labuan, the domestic tariff rates had gone up in all states. It was reported earlier this year that the Penang government planned to delay the implementation of a proposed water tariff revision by at least six months.
