May 5, 2023—DepEd Schools Division Office (SDO) of Pampanga Legal Office conducted its first-ever 3-day face-to-face Seminar-Workshop on Basic Laws and Legal Procedures for Division Office Proper Personnel with two schedules: May 3-5, 2023, and May 10-12, 2023, at Hacienda Gracia Resort and Hotel, Lubao, Pampanga.

The seminar workshop is designed to assist employees of each functional unit in the Office of the Schools Division Superintendent (OSDS) in acquiring or enhancing their understanding and application of Basic Administrative Laws and Rules. The goal is to make them familiar with DepEd Order (DO) No. 49, s.2006 (Administrative Proceedings of DepEd), as well as other relevant laws such as the Data Privacy Act of 2012, Anti Red Tape Act of 2007, and Safe Spaces Act of 2019. Additionally, the seminar aims to help them follow the rules of ethics or conduct for government employees as outlined in RA (Republic Act) 6713.

“Ignorantia juris non excusat, Ignorance of the law excuses not. Isa po ito sa mga kataga na dapat nating tandaan hindi lamang bilang empleyado ng gobyerno ngunit bilang mamamayan ng ating bansa. Nasasaad po sa kasabihang ito na ang batas ay walang pinipiling estado ng buhay, edad, kasarian, posisyon. Ibigsabihin sa mata ng batas pantay-pantay po tayong. Sa mata ng batas dapat lahat po tayo ay tutupad at gagampanan ang ating tungkulin…” Division Office Legal Officer Atty. Arnold Adelo P. Obillos said during his opening remarks. He added that as frontliners of the Division Office, they have the responsibility to implement legal and just procedures to be good and effective employees.

Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) Romeo M. Alip inspired each of the participants to “Maging mapagkalinga. Become stewards, be a good shepherd. As your SDS, your Big Brother, I am expecting that come next week; you will be a better you. Mas magiging magaling kayong empleyado ng SDO Pampanga.” He also emphasized that employees should strive to be a positive influence on others, much like a candle that brightens the darkness. They should prioritize helping others and meeting their needs.

“It is truly important that as personnel of the School’s Division Office of Pampanga, one has a working knowledge of these laws as they are interrelated in the performance of one’s duties and functions in the Division Office,” said Regional Legal Officer Atty. Angeline P. Rogel for her inspirational message via Google Meet.

On the first day of the seminar workshop, Atty. Arnold Adelo P. Obillos and Mr. John Paul B. Pallasigui, SDO Pampanga IT Officer, discussed DO No. 49, s.2006 or Revised Rules of Procedure of the DepEd in Administrative Cases, and RA 10173 or Data Privacy Act of 2012, respectively.

Atty. Obillos emphasized the relative topics included in DO No. 49, s.2006, such as (1) the difference between administrative, civil, and criminal cases, (2) the importance of substantial evidence, (3) safeguards in the disciplinary procedure, (4) disciplining authorities, (5) classification of offenses, and (6) grounds for disciplinary action. After the discussion, the participants were divided into seven groups. Each group was given twenty minutes to accomplish the “10 Kasunduan ng Isang Mabuti at Epektibong Empleyado ng SDO Pampanga” activity.

Mr. John Paul Pallasigui discussed the significance of RA 10173 or the Data Privacy Act 2012. He pointed out the participants’ roles in data privacy: (1) provider of the data and (2) processor of the data. He mentioned the related laws, cases subjected to data privacy, and the rights of the data subjects. He also stressed the consequences of violating it.

On the second day, Atty. Roniel D. Muñoz lectured on RA 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. His talk primarily centered on the rules and regulations governing personal conduct when carrying out official duties. As a government employee, it is important to prioritize the public’s interest over personal interests. Additionally, he explained the correct method for completing a Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).

In the afternoon, Atty. Rodney C. Timbol elaborated on RA 9485, or the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007. He emphasized the importance of maintaining honesty and integrity, promoting transparency in public service, and taking positive and effective measures against graft and corruption. Following the presentation, the participants were asked to go into their groups to create an output that showed the processes that needed improvement and how to improve them.

Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Melissa S. Sanchez arrived during the afternoon session and shared an encouraging message for the participants. “The very purpose of Atty. Biboy, in coming up with training such as this, is not to instill fear but to actually make us aware. Napakaimportante na alam natin ang repercussions ng magiging actions natin regardless of our positions. Awareness of how we deliver our mandate regardless of our role in the organization is crucial for us to protect ourselves and those we serve.“

On the last day of the seminar workshop, Ms. Carisa Marie Balilia discussed the Anti Sexual Harassment Act of 1995 (RA 7877) and the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313). She emphasized that many people may not be aware of or uncertain when they are experiencing sexual harassment. She explained that RA 7877 refers to the misuse of power or exploiting employees, while RA 11313 covers sexual harassment based on gender in various settings such as streets, public areas, online platforms, workplaces, and educational/training institutions.

The 3-day seminar workshop ended with the participants sharing their impressions, followed by Atty. Obillos’ closing remarks. He emphasized that the seminar’s success was only possible with the support of the top management and unit heads. Atty. Obillos urged everyone to work together to achieve the agency’s goals and objectives and apply everything they learned over the three days. “We only have one life; let’s use it to serve effectively and with excellence.” The program concluded with the participants receiving their certificates and taking a group photo with big smiles.