November 24–26, 2025 — The Department of Education (DepEd) Region IV-A, through its Regional Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System in collaboration with the Human Resource Development Division (HRDD) and Legal Unit, conducted a three-day Workshop on the Development of the Regional Code of Conduct at Soleste Suites, Quezon City. The initiative underscores the region’s commitment to integrity, professionalism, and the creation of safe and inclusive schools and offices.

The workshop served as a follow-through to the Orientation on the Roles and Functions of the Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI) held last April. Its primary goal was to craft a unified Regional Code of Conduct that promotes ethical standards and addresses gender-based sexual harassment in workplaces, schools, and learning centers. To ensure quality outputs, the region engaged Marita C. Pimentel, a member of the National GAD Resource Pool (NGRP) Batch 1 of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW).

A total of 32 participants from the regional office and 25 Schools Division Offices actively collaborated in drafting the initial version of the Code. The group included Assistant Schools Division Superintendents, GAD Focal Persons, Public Schools District Supervisors, Project Development Officers, Administrative Officers, and Guidance Counselors. Their participation reflects a shared commitment to building a comprehensive and inclusive framework for ethical conduct.

The workshop produced a region-wide Draft Code of Conduct, which will serve as a guiding document for promoting respect, professionalism, and ethical governance across all educational institutions in Region IV-A. A series of activities will follow to refine the draft before its formal adoption and implementation.

The Regional Code of Conduct is envisioned as a cornerstone for fostering integrity, accountability, and a safe learning environment for all. This milestone affirms DepEd Region IV-A’s unwavering dedication to ethical governance and the protection of learners and personnel.