STUDENTS’ RIGHTS AND DUTIES

-oOoThe author is Teacher II at Sta. Tereza 2nd Elementary School, Lubao West District.

HERMIDA R. MARTIN

Dr. Jose Rizal once said that the youth are the key of our future. They need to be educated in order for them to work and to live for their future. For this reason, our government provides laws and programs recognizing their welfare. They have lots of rights and privileges to enjoy so they could prepare themselves in becoming good citizens in our society. One of these is to make sure that all children should be in school regardless of their living or financial condition. Our government provides free education for all. This is a big help for everyone in achieving their dreams that can help our society in the future.

Batas Pambansa 232, Section 9, emphasized the rights of the students. It is said that students are the heart of our educational system. As educators, we need to broaden their knowledge about their rights, and to build awareness about these privileges so they could exercise these in achieving their dreams. By educating them, they will be able to cope more knowledge and use them in our society’s needs.

Students have also the rights to be free from all abuses, such as physical, mental, or social abuse. That’s why R.A.7610 and R.A.10627 were created. They have the Protection against child abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination, and Anti-Bullying Act of 2013.

Nevertheless, if they have the rights, they also have corresponding duties to do. Duties that will help them become better individuals. They need to exert their utmost effort and dedication to develop their potentials for service, particularly by undergoing an education suited to their abilities and capacities to become an asset to their families and society. They need to obey the laws, to be good citizens and good role models to everyone!

-oOoThe author is Teacher III at Arayat Central School