What is RA 7610 and how does it involve teachers?

• A. The Magna Carta for Public School Teachers; it ensures tenure and due process.
• B. The Education Reform Act; reorganizes curriculum.
• C. The Philippine Teachers Professionalization Act; licenses teachers.
• D. The Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act; it obligates teachers to protect children and report abuse.

Answer: (D)

RA 7610 is the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act. It defines what counts as abuse, exploitation, and discrimination against children and sets up protections and services to safeguard them. Teachers are included among the professionals who must act when they know or suspect that a child is being abused. If a student discloses abuse or abuse is suspected, the teacher has a duty to report it promptly to the proper authorities and to take steps to protect the child’s safety, while handling the information appropriately. The law also establishes penalties for those who fail to report or otherwise hinder a child’s protection. This is why teachers are directly involved under this act.