Which DepEd Order number was issued to strengthen religious rights in 2013?

• A. DepEd Order no. 25 s. 2002
• B. DepEd Order no. 52 s. 2011
• C. DepEd Order no. 15 s. 2010
• D. DepEd Order no. 32 s. 2013

Answer: (D)

Religious rights in the school setting are protected through clear policy guidance, and in 2013 the Department of Education issued a specific rule to strengthen these rights. DepEd Order No. 32, s. 2013 codified how schools should respect and accommodate students’ religious beliefs, allow appropriate observances, and prevent discrimination or coercion, all while keeping the public education system neutral and inclusive. This makes it the correct choice because it directly addresses reinforcing religious rights in that year, whereas the other orders come from different years and do not focus on strengthening religious rights in 2013.