Taguig is strengthening its efforts to support learners through Project A.R.A.W., an initiative of the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Taguig-Pateros focused on advocacy, responsibility, and action. The program brings together school personnel to discuss ways of addressing learner concerns and creating environments where students can feel safe, heard, and supported. The initiative was highlighted in a recent post by Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano, which featured a two-day orientation and workshop involving Learner Formation Officers and Guidance Counselors/Advocates.
Building Stronger Support for Taguig Learners
Project A.R.A.W. centers on strengthening the ability of educators and school support personnel to respond to concerns that may affect learners. The two-day activity covered topics such as bullying, discipline, prevention and intervention, stakeholder roles, guidance, and counseling. These discussions are intended to help school personnel better understand their responsibilities when responding to situations involving learners. By bringing different members of the school community together, the program also emphasizes coordination and shared responsibility in creating supportive learning environments. The initiative aligns with DepEd Order No. 006, s. 2026, or the Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment, which consolidates policies concerning learner rights protection, prevention and response measures, incident reporting, and mental health and psychosocial support.
Promoting Safe and Caring School Communities
A key focus of the activity is learner well-being. Project A.R.A.W. highlights the importance of recognizing concerns that students may experience and ensuring that appropriate guidance and support are available within the school community. DepEd's 2026 guidelines describe a safe and motivating learning environment as one where learners are able to participate in learning without fear or threat and where responsibility is shared among schools, families, government offices, and other stakeholders. The guidelines also include measures addressing bullying, violence, learner rights protection concerns, and mental health and psychosocial support. For schools, this means that creating a supportive environment involves more than responding when problems arise. Prevention, communication, appropriate referrals, and collaboration among school personnel and other stakeholders are also part of the process.
Making Learners Feel Safe, Heard, and Cared For
Project A.R.A.W. also reflects the importance of everyday interactions in supporting students. Simple actions such as checking in, listening, showing understanding, and recognizing when a learner may need additional assistance can contribute to a more supportive school experience. The Taguig activity brought together education personnel who play different roles in learner formation and guidance. Through workshops and discussions, they were able to focus on approaches that can help schools respond to learner concerns while reinforcing existing safety and protection protocols. As schools continue implementing the 2026 national guidelines on safe and motivating learning environments, initiatives such as Project A.R.A.W. place attention on the people and practices that help make schools more supportive spaces for learners.
