In line with the Department of Education's commitment to ensuring the protection, welfare, and well-being of learners, the Learner Rights and Protection Office (LRPO) XI established and operationalized the Learner Rights and Protection (LRP) Desk and Learner Support Center for the Davao Region Delegation during the conduct of the 2026 Palarong Pambansa held in Agusan del Sur. The facility was officially established at Bunawan National High School and served as the central hub for learner protection services throughout the duration of the national sporting event.
The establishment of the LRP Desk aimed to provide immediate assistance, intervention, referral, and response mechanisms for any learner protection concerns involving learner-athletes and members of the delegation. Operating twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, the LRP Desk ensured that concerns related to child protection, bullying, violence, abuse, discrimination, mental health, and psychosocial support were promptly addressed by designated personnel.
Complementing the services of the LRP Desk was the Learner Support Center, which was designed as a safe, inclusive, child-friendly, and nurturing space where learner-athletes could rest, relax, and access various support services. The center featured a Counseling Room, Breastfeeding Area for visiting mothers, Play Area, Art Area, Reading Area, Food Station, Freedom Wall, and Entertainment Area for music and film viewing. These facilities provided opportunities for recreation, emotional expression, psychosocial support, and holistic development while participating in the national competition.
The Learner Support Center also served as a venue for information dissemination on learner rights, child protection, mental health promotion, and positive discipline. Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials were made readily available to learners and delegation members. Moreover, the Region XI Learner Rights and Protection Mascot, Onse, actively participated in daily Kumustahan Sessions, helping promote positive well-being, safety awareness, and learner engagement throughout the event.