Cluster 4 Athletes Attend Learner Safeguarding Guidelines Orientation Ahead of 2025 ZNAA Qualifying Meet

Piñan, Zamboanga del Norte — As part of the Department of Education’s continued commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all learners, Cluster 4 athletes participating in the 2025 Zamboanga del Norte Athletic Association (ZNAA) Qualifying Meet attended the Learner Safeguarding Guideline Orientation on November 22, 2025, in Piñan, Zamboanga del Norte. The orientation highlighted the core purpose of DepEd’s Learner Safeguarding Guidelines, a vital component of the Child Protection Policy designed to shield students from abuse, exploitation, discrimination, bullying, and all other forms of harm. These guidelines outline preventive measures, response systems, and accountability mechanisms to protect learners during all school-related activities—including athletic meets where students are away from their usual school environment. During the session, athletes were briefed on their rights as learners, proper conduct during the event, the responsibilities of coaches and guardians, and the protocols to follow should concerns or violations arise. The orientation also emphasized the collective role of adults and student-athletes in creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment throughout the competition. ZNAA officials, coaches, and school representatives underscored that safeguarding is not just a requirement, but a shared responsibility essential to ensuring that athletes can perform, compete, and grow in an atmosphere free from harm. With the Qualifying Meet approaching, the orientation ensured that every learner athlete is informed, empowered, and protected—reinforcing DepEd’s unwavering stance that child safety comes first in all academic and extracurricular activities.