NOTICE: This 10th Edition of the APEC Schools Parent-Student Handbook

supersedes all previous versions.

Table of Contents
Introduction 6

1. School Overview 6
1.1 We are APEC Schools 6
​1.2 Mindset, Character and Habits 8
1.3 Responsible Citizenship 9
1.4 Skills Development 9
1.5 Curriculum 11
1.6 Learning Materials 13
1.7 School Facilities 14
1.8 Faculty 14
1.9 School Management 14

2. Admission Policies 15
2.1 Admission Guidelines 15
2.2 Admission Requirements 15
2.3 DepEd Senior High School Voucher Program 16

3. Student Accounts and Finances 17

3.1 Payment Schedule 17
3.2 Payment Methods 17
3.3 Student Withdrawals and Refunds 19
A. Withdrawals 19
B. Drop Outs 19
3.4 Non-payment of Tuition and Other Fees 20
3.5 Refunds for Overpayments 21
3.6 Statement of Accounts 21

4. Parents and Guardians Responsibilities and Participation 22

4.1 Parents and Guardians Responsibilities 22
4.2 Student Support Committee (SSC) 22
A. Homeroom SSC Officers 23
B. School Wide SSC Board of Directors 23
4.3 Parent-Teacher Conferences 24

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 4.4 Student Activities organized by SSC Members 24
4.5 School Communication Channels 25
A. EMAIL 25
B. Branch FB Group 25
C. Branch Contact Details 25

5. Academic Program 26
5.1 School Calendar 26
5.2 Class Program and Schedule 26
5.3 Extra and Co-curricular activities 26
A. Clubs 26
B. Alternative Class Program (ACP) 27
C. Student Council 27
D. Co-Curricular Activities 27
E. Other activities 28

6. Academic Policies 29
6.1 Assessment 29
6.2 Grading System 30
A. Grade Computation 31
B. Promotion and Retention Policies 32
C. Failing Grade due to Poor Attendance 33
D. Completion and Special Assessments 33
E. Back Subjects 35
6.3 Student Awards 36
Academic Excellence Awards 36
Leadership Awards 36
The Gerry Roxas Leadership Award (Grade 12 only) 37
The Bayanihan: Group Project Award 37
Subject / Domain Proficiency Awards 37
Special Citations 38
The APEC Loyalty Award 38
6.4 Graduation and Moving Up Policy 38
Graduation and Moving (Regular Students) 38
Late Graduation(Irregular Students) 39

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7. Student Services 40
7.1 Food and Drink 40
7.2 Lost and Found 40
7.3 Guidance and Counseling Service 30
7.4 Library Services 43
7.5 Student Records and Registrar 43
A. Request for Transcript and other School Records 43
B. Processing Time 44
C. Release 44
D. Fees 44

8. Safety, Security, and Sustainability 45

8.1 “New Normal” Protocols 45
8.2 Emergency Procedures 45
8.3 Emergency Contact Information 45
8.4 Staying in School Premises 45
8.5 Internet Safety 46
8.6 Social Media Guidelines 46
8.7 Sexual Awareness 48
8.8 Child Protection Policy 48
8.9 Bullying and Harassment 48
8.10 Fundraising and Gift Giving 49

9. Health and Wellness 50

9.1 Student Health Information Form 50
9.2 Online Medical Consultation 50
9.3 Injuries and Medical Emergencies 50
9.4 Illness 50
9.5 Medication 51
9.6 Hygiene Kits and Grab Kits 51

10. School Policies 52

10.1 Flag Ceremony 52
10.2 Attendance and Punctuality 52
10.3 Cancellation of Classes and Specific Procedures 56
10.4 APEC Marketing Services 57
10.5 Appropriate use of APEC brand 58
10.6 APEC Privacy Policy and Terms of Agreement 58

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11. Student Code of Conduct and Discipline 59
11.1 Basic Rights and Responsibilities 59
11.2 Students Personal Belongings 60
11.3 Student Email 60
11.4 School Uniform and Dress Code 61
School Uniform 61
School Identification Card (ID) 62
Appearance 62
11.5 Behavior Management 62
11.6 Basic Classroom Etiquette 63

Annex A: APEC Payment Methods 64

Reference Codes 64
Bayad Center 65
GCASH 66
BPI Express Assistant 67
BPI Digital Payment 69
Dragon Pay 70
Paymaya 71
DiskarTech 72
MAYA Credit Card or e-wallet 73

Annex B: Child Protection Committee and Guidelines 74

Annex C: APEC Schools Anti-Bullying Policy 81

Annex D: Anti-Bullying Information Sheet for Students: Is it Bullying? 86

Annex E: Rules and Regulations on Anti-Sexual Harassment 87

Annex F: Behavior Management System 97

Annex G: APEC Schools Technology Code of Conduct 110

Annex H. Data Protection 116

Annex I: Acceptable Use Policy Agreement Form 122

Annex J: Parent/Guardian Social Contract 123

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Annex K: Data Privacy & Policy Terms of Agreement 124

Annex L: Student Work and Photo/Video Release Form 125

Annex M: Enrollment Policies Agreement Form 126

Annex N: APEC Student Honor Code & Commitment 128

Annex O: APEC Hymn & Pledge 129

Acknowledgement Form 130

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Introduction
The school rules and regulations that appear on this Handbook apply to all
students who are enrolled in the different branches of APEC Schools.
Upon admission, students, parents, and guardians agree to abide by these
school rules and regulations to actualize our Institution’s Philosophy, Vision,
Mission, Purpose, and Brand Promise, maintain and uphold order and
discipline, and preserve the good name of APEC Schools.

1. School Overview
1.1 We are APEC Schools
Our VISION
To be the school of choice for real-world learning in every community.
Our MISSION
To transform lives through accessible and innovative education.
Our CORE PURPOSE
Better Lives, Better Families, and Better Communities
Our BRAND PROMISE
Create a Future that gets #BetterEachDay.
Our PHILOSOPHY and OBJECTIVES
At APEC Schools, we offer a holistic education that nurtures students’
innate talents, feeds their curiosity, and gives them the knowledge and
outlook they need to become successful and lifelong learners.
At the heart of our educational philosophy is a constructivist approach
to learning, which emphasizes active engagement and exploration as
key components of the learning process. We believe that students learn
best when they are not simply passive recipients of information, but
rather when they are actively involved in constructing their own
understanding of the world around them.
We provide a differentiated, self-directed learning environment that
empowers students to take charge of their own educational experience.
Instead of simply following a predetermined curriculum, our students
are encouraged to be inquisitive, to ask questions, and to investigate
topics that interest them.

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We acknowledge that each student has unique needs, interests, and
learning styles, and strengths, and we strive to create an environment
that supports their needs.
We believe that by empowering students to take ownership of their
learning, we can cultivate critical thinking skills, creativity, and
problem-solving abilities that are essential for success in the real world.
Our learner-centered approach to education helps students develop
the confidence and independence they need to become self-directed,
lifelong learners.
We understand the importance of integrating technology into teaching
and learning. With technology, we enhance the learning experience,
providing opportunities for collaboration, creativity, and critical
thinking. We use technology to facilitate student-centered activities
that promote engagement, self-discovery, and deeper learning.
We also believe in developing 21st-century skills for future-proofing.
Our approach to learning prepares our students to become adaptable
and innovative thinkers who are capable of solving complex problems.
We foster creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration
to prepare our students for success in a rapidly evolving world.
Knowledge and skills are insufficient without the appropriate values to
guide their application. At APEC, we cultivate values by nurturing a
growth mindset, fostering positive character traits, and instilling
healthy habits that lead to personal and academic success. We
empower our students to become ethical, responsible, and
compassionate members of society.
At APEC Schools, we are committed to providing our students with the
best possible educational experience, one that not only prepares them
for success in school, but also in life. We are honored to be a part of our
students’ journey and anticipate the great things they will achieve in
the future.
​1.2 Mindset, Character and Habits
APEC Schools focus on the growth and development of their students. The
Schools provide students with the necessary knowledge, skills, mindset,
character, and habits necessary for success.

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APEC Schools’ values are based on those exercised by the most successful
and respected modern-day leaders. These values both align with the
Schools’ philosophy, objectives, vision and mission, and the local modern
Filipino society. They unite cultural expectations with the aim to develop
respectable men and women who will contribute positively to society.
A. MINDSET
Mindset is what makes a person successful.
Dreaming Big is breaking barriers and seizing opportunities.
Focus is giving 100% of time, attention and energy to the task at hand.
Grit is the passion and perseverance to accomplish long term goals.
Growth is the pursuit of lifelong learning.
B. CHARACTER
Character is what makes a person good.
Service is acting for the benefit of others.
Integrity is doing the right thing even if no one is looking.
Gratitude is being thankful for what you have and don’t have.
Ownership is taking responsibility and accountability.
C. HABITS
Habits are the actions we consistently repeat that produce great
results.

Professionalism is the skilled act and polished manner in doing work.

Mindfulness is paying attention to the Now.
Proactiveness is anticipating needs and taking initiative.
Self-Regulation is the discipline to manage your own behavior.
All these are woven into the curriculum, school routines, and activities.
Learning Facilitators ensure that every lesson adheres to them and they
teach students to appreciate and demonstrate them daily, even outside the
school.

1.3 Responsible Citizenship

As an educational and social institution, it is not only a venue for learners
to develop cognitive and social skills, but also to grow in responsible
participation in the local community and work towards the common good
as citizens of their country. Towards this goal, APEC Schools weave in the
following themes in various activities:
• Digital Citizenship

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 • Civic Awareness and Participation in a Democracy
• Community Participation, Engagement, and Celebrations

As such Responsible Citizenship is not limited to classroom discussion but

also trains and allows students’ engagement and participation in school,
community, local and national governments’ issues such as youth,
economic, civil, environmental issues, and the like.

1.4 Skills Development

At APEC Schools, skills development is an essential component of a
student’s education to fully prepare them for higher education and
employment. These skills have been identified as key target areas to focus
on for students, in order to equip them for the future effectively.
The development of the following skills is deliberately crafted into the
curriculum:
1. Information Literacy – locates and critically analyzes all common forms
of information in academic, life, and entry-level professional
employment.

2. Experimentation – applies Experimentation procedure and thought

necessary to prove cause-and-effect relationships under specific and
limited conditions.

3. Data Handling – gathers, organizes, manipulates and interprets

(meaning from) common forms of data for academic and
non-academic purposes.

4. Reflection – purposefully considers past experiences (successes and

failures) and maximizes learning (improvement in reasoning or
decision making).

5. Presentation – confidently and clearly delivers an adequate and

appropriate presentation in an academic or non-academic context.

6. Planning – develops, executes, and adjusts a plan to achieve desired

outcomes..

7. Time & Resource Management – organizes, prioritizes, and stays on

task, to meet planned goals/objectives at a given time and able to

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 identify, leverage, and allocate the appropriate amount of resources
for any given task.

8. Problem Solving – identifies and defines a problem, determines root

causes, and resolves them by applying relevant and appropriate
problem-solving techniques.

9. Hardware and Software – Identifies and uses the appropriate

hardware and software technology for common academic and
entry-level professional employment.

10. Language – (oral) communicates using neutral pronunciation and

grammatically accurate structures, with conversational fluency;
(written) communicates using grammatically accurate structures, with
clarity, cohesion, and brevity.

11. Communication Models – demonstrates the Communication Models

necessary to navigate and succeed in college, career, and life.

12. Sociolinguistics – demonstrates adequate Sociolinguistics thru

successful collaboration and connection with Filipino and International
persons.

13. Logic – uses reasoning models; e.g., deduction or induction, to draw

conclusions and make or support generalizations based on given
statements, arguments, facts, or data.

14. Math/Numeracy – executes the appropriate operation and produces

an accurate answer for a mathematical expression, identifies Math
concepts in real world scenarios to execute the appropriate operation
and produce an accurate answer, identifies and uses different ways to
produce an accurate answer to direct math expressions and real-world
scenarios.

15. Teamwork – effectively communicates, cooperates and collaborates

with others, in small or large groups, to accomplish a common goal.

16. Leadership – leads self and others through effective and constructive
mentorship, guidance, and role-modeling.

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17. Information and Communication Technology –utilizes technology to
increase efficacy and efficiency in achieving a goal.

18. Critical Thinking - implements reasonable and reflective thinking that

is focused on deciding what to believe or do.

1.5 Curriculum
APEC Junior and Senior High School programs meticulously equip students
with academic skills, cultural understanding, and character development,
preparing them for future success. The curriculum focuses on CORE and
MAKABAYAN subjects, combined with practical TLE-Life Labs experiences.

In our Senior High School program, students delve into specialized courses
within five key domains: English, Mathematics, Science and Technology,
Business, and Social Sciences. Each strand integrates constructivist
learning, promoting independent knowledge-building, critical thinking, and
problem-solving skills.

APEC Schools seamlessly incorporate technology, enhancing the learning

process while boosting digital literacy. This integration fosters a versatile
and technology-adept learner ready for higher education and the
workforce. Our approach culminates in the Mindset, Character, and Habits
Program and Guidance Lessons, ensuring a comprehensive education that
goes beyond academics.

Junior High School

The APEC Junior High School program aims to equip students with
fundamental skills and form habits, preparing them to tackle the academic
requirements of Senior High School.
CORE subjects: English, Math, and Science
Strong English communication skills are essential as English is the global
professional language. Math provides ample opportunities to develop
thinking skills, and basic numeracy and arithmetic are necessary. Science
helps students develop investigative and research skills, develop their
curiosity, and understand their environment.
MAKABAYAN subjects: Filipino, Social Studies, and MAPEH
It is important to continue developing our mother tongue to cultivate our
cultural identity. Social Studies, Music, Arts, Physical Education and Health,
are likewise necessary to provide students with a well-rounded education.

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TLE-Life Labs
These provide students with life skills that will enable students to be
productive in the real world. Relevant topics based on real-world events
and issues (e.g. flooding in Metro Manila, pollution, traffic) will be
investigated.

Senior High School

The APEC Senior High School program is designed to equip students with
the skills and habits necessary for success in both college and entry-level
jobs.
At APEC Schools, we offer ABM, STEM and HUMSS (in select locations). Our
ABM strand is designed to develop competencies in the Business and
Accountancy field with 34 courses in total. Then, our STEM strand is geared
towards the Sciences, Information Technology, and Engineering with 34
courses in total while our HUMSS strand focuses on Liberal Arts, Education,
and Social Sciences with 33 courses in total. These courses fall under five
domains: English, Mathematics, Science and Technology, Business, and
Social Sciences.
English
The English domain aims to develop and strengthen the students’
capability to communicate effectively in English in oral and written forms.
Mathematics
The Mathematics domain aims to develop and strengthen the student’s
capability in logic and reasoning using numbers. They will be challenged to
move beyond rote memorization of formulas. Students will understand the
logic behind these formulas, then apply them in scenarios that appear in
the real world.
Science and Technology
The Science and Technology domain aims to develop and strengthen skills
that students need in the 21st century. In this domain, they will learn how
to apply the fundamental principles of research and experimentation. They
will also be exposed to various aspects of technology: hardware, software,
networks, and basic web design and development.

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Business
The Business domain aims to develop and strengthen the students’
business sense. In this domain, they will learn how to conceptualize,
organize, and operate a business.
Humanities and Social Sciences
The Humanities and Social Sciences domain aims to develop a disciplined
understanding of our history, culture, and values. Key foci are in qualitative
research and data analysis, with an understanding of sociological and
political principles and literary skills.
The integration of these five domains (English, Mathematics, Science and
Technology, Business, and Social Sciences) lead to the formation and
deepening of the competencies and habits that APEC Schools aim to
develop. This allows graduates to become ready for college and
employment.
Mindset, Character, and Habits Program and Guidance Lessons
This is spiraled through all subjects while having its own subject to
explicitly discuss and process the twelve Mindset, Character strengths, and
Habits that all the APEC Schools promote.
Guidance lessons tailored to the grade levels’ developmental needs are
alternately shared in the same time slot as the MCH program.

1.6 Learning Materials

All of our learning experiences are meticulously designed to enable
students to achieve desired learning outcomes. These learning experiences
are supported by learning resources that are internally developed, as well
as external resources such as open educational resources (OER).
In online or blended learning, the following are primarily used:
● Google Classroom
The Google Classroom is the primary location of all EGs and learning
materials. It is also the platform for asynchronous interactions
between LFs and students.

● Experience Guides/Modules (digital modules)

Students can use the Experience Guides (for JHS) or Experience
Modules (for SHS) hand in hand with the online synchronous sessions

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 facilitated by teachers to be directed, guided, and coached toward
successful learning outcomes.
● Learning Management System (LMS)
APEC LMS is a software application used for open assessment.

● Computer
Computer devices such as Laptops, Chromebooks and tablets will be
used when needed as prescribed by the curriculum. These devices are
used for consumption (reading of online articles, watching educational
videos, etc.) and production (creating audio-visual presentations,
digital outputs, etc.).
Each classroom is provided a digital projector and other equipment
that are used to deliver digital content (e.g., digital animated videos)

1.7 School Facilities

Efficiently designed, well-lit, and air-conditioned classrooms are provided.
Classrooms and common areas are monitored via CCTV cameras.
The seating arrangement is dynamic and designed for collaborative
learning. It is regularly changed by the teachers depending on the lesson.
Digital technology and mobile laboratory equipment with reference
materials are used for instruction.

1.8 Faculty
APEC Schools boast highly dedicated and well-trained Learning Facilitators
who not only guide the learning experiences but also promote
exploration-based learning. Serving as role models and mentors, they
embody the schools' values and skill sets. Our Academic Coordinators
further augment this process by providing continuous support and
guidance to the Learning Facilitators, ensuring the achievement of learning
outcomes across all APEC School locations

1.9 School Management

School management at APEC is spearheaded by the Principal, with robust
support from both Academic and Operations Coordinators. This dynamic
team efficiently handles general operations and academic support,
managing student records, business communications, and projects. They

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 are instrumental in ensuring the overall quality of the student experience is
maintained at the highest level.

2. Admission Policies
2.1 Admission Guidelines
We welcome any Filipino citizen who has
• passed the school interview (if needed),
• complied with all the documentary requirements,
• committed to paying the required fees that our school needs to
deliver quality education, and
• adheres to our school policies and upholds its values.
Any student who has successfully completed the previous grade levels,
except for those with special needs, is eligible for admission.
APEC Schools do not accept transferees for Grade 12.
Note: Only students holding a Filipino citizenship are eligible for admission.

2.2 Admission Requirements

In addition to the filled-out APEC School forms, the following should be
submitted to the Principal prior to admission:
• Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA, formerly NSO) Certified Birth
Certificate
• Original Form 138 or SF9 (Report Card) with Learner’s Reference
Number (LRN) signed and sealed by the registrar/principal of the
previous school
• Original Form 137 or SF10 (Student Permanent Records) with
School Official Seal
• Payment of full admission fees and any arrears

The following may be required:

• Original Certificate of Good Moral Character
• Two (2) pcs 1x1 ID picture
• Original Certificate of Junior High School Completion (for incoming
Grade 11 students)

The following are additional Requirements for Senior High School Voucher
Recipients from Private Schools:
• Original ESC Certification from the Junior High School Principal (if
ESC Grantee) and

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 • Qualified Voucher Recipient Certificate (for QVRs).
The student is considered officially enrolled only upon payment of full
admission fee and submission of complete requirements.
A student with incomplete requirements may be allowed to be
Provisionally Enrolled, provided that an undertaking will be signed and
submitted to the school.

2.3 DepEd Senior High School Voucher Program

DepEd Senior High School Voucher Program Beneficiaries (VPB) and
Qualified Voucher Recipients (QVR) are also accepted subject to their
submission of the complete admission requirements. An orientation to all
admitted VPB’s and QVR’s together with their parents is conducted at the
start of the School Year.
The following are the conditions for Voucher Program Beneficiaries
(VPB):
● A VPB shall continue to be a participant in the program if the VPB is
promoted to the next level.
● A VPB shall be disqualified from further participation in the SHS VP for
any of the following reasons:
o VPB drops out in the middle of the School Year;
o VPB does not re enroll the following School Year;
o VPB is retained in the same grade level;
o VPB transfers to another Senior High School Provider within the
School Year; or
o VPB transfers to a Department of Education Senior High School
Provider.
• Transfer of VPB to another Senior High School Provider, including APEC
Schools inter-branch transfer is not allowed within the School Year.
• In cases where a student who had initially been recorded as having a
voucher but found to be invalid per PEAC records, or having a lower
than the initial voucher computation, the parent will pay in full the
corresponding amount.

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3. Student Accounts and Finances
3.1 Payment Schedule
The payment of the one-time Admission Fee ensures a student's
reservation in the APEC Schools branch of choice. The seats are allocated
on a first-come-first-served basis. The admission fee should be paid on or
before the deadline set by APEC Schools. The student is not considered to
be enrolled and will not be allowed to attend classes pending the payment
of the Admission Fee.
Tuition and fees are payable in annual or quarterly payments. The
Completion fee for Grade 10 and the Graduation fee for Grade 12 are due
in May and payable until June. The deadline for the quarterly payments is
on the 20th of each month starting in the month of October.
At the beginning of the school year, the Principal will provide the schedule
of payments for the year, including any discounts that a student is entitled
to. Net of discount is spread evenly throughout the installment period. It
is important to submit all documents supporting the application for
discounts on or before September 30. APEC Schools reserves the right to
refuse a discount for document submissions beyond September 30.
APEC Schools will release Statements of Accounts on a quarterly basis and
also a monthly reminder to remind students of their outstanding payments
and penalties. Parents should regularly check the SOA to ensure the
correctness of ALL data reflected. Parents or Guardians should immediately
call out any discrepancy for further checking and clarification. After May 31
of the current school year, parents may no longer dispute the details in the
SOA and will need to pay any arrears reflected.

3.2 Payment Methods

Cash Payment is not accepted at any APEC Schools branch. All payments
should be coursed through APEC Schools-accredited payment centers
ONLY:
• Meralco Bayad Center branches
• BPI Bills Payment Facilities
• BPI Digital Payment Link → https://apecschoolspay.com/
• Dragon Pay (found in APEC’s registration site,
www.enroll,apecschools.ph

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 • Digital/Mobile Wallet Facilities:
o Gcash App PAY Bills option
o Maya App PAY Bills option
o DiskarTech App PAY Bills option
o SMART Ka-Partner App

• Maya Credit Card or e-Wallet

o https://payments.apecschools.edu.ph/

Important reminders when paying online:

⇒ Look for APEC Schools in the SCHOOLS or OTHERS category
⇒ Provide correct Student Number-Grade as the Account
Number, Student’s Name, Branch Code and Payment Type
⇒ other ONLINE/MOBILE FUNDS TRANSFER ARE NOT
ACCEPTED.
⇒ Pay QR / Scan QR Code is NOT for tuition fee payments! It is
only for other payments (i.e. document requests, facilities
repair cost)

Parents should indicate the Payment ID (ex: Student Number-08) each time
they make a payment for Tuition Fees. The Payment ID is a unique
13-character reference code composed of the Student Number and the
current grade of the student. A list of APEC Schools Payment Facilities and
Sample Accomplished Payment Forms is shown in Annex A.
Parents are responsible for the accuracy of the Payment IDs indicated with
each payment. An incorrect Student ID given to the payment center will
result in the payment not being credited to the student’s account. Parents
should keep the original proof of payment (i.e. actual transaction form or
validated deposit slips from the payment center) for reference.
APEC reserves the right to make corrections on the Statement of Account
and ask for proof of payment (i.e. actual transaction form or validated
deposit slips from the payment center) in cases of dispute. APEC will not
reflect any claimed payment without a documented proof. Disputes should
be made on or before May 31 as mentioned in Sec. 3.1 of this handbook.

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3.3 Student Withdrawals and Refunds
A. Withdrawals
Withdrawals are permitted until the last day of enrollment, as such the
parents or guardians should notify APEC Schools in writing of any desire to
withdraw and the request should be approved by the Principal. If the
withdrawal is approved, APEC Schools will refund the tuition fee on the
following conditions:

Before the opening of classes 100% of the total payment made except
for the Admission Fee

Within 15 days from the start 90% of the total payment made except
of classes for the Admission Fee

Between 16-30 days from 80% of the total payment made except
the start of classes for the Admission Fee

The request for refund (for valid and confirmed excess payments) should
be made via the Refund Request online form indicating the payee name for
the check or bank details.
The Principal may require an interview with the student, parent or
guardian, prior to the endorsement of the withdrawal.
B. Drop Outs
1. Drop Outs Initiated by Parent/Guardian
A student is considered to have dropped out if a student notifies the
Principal the intent to discontinue education in APEC Schools. If the
notification is within the first half of the school year (August -
December), the student is liable for the 50% of the total fees.
The full tuition and other fees shall become due and demandable
when a student drops-out after the first half of the school year
(January - May).
The student may request for transfer credentials by paying the
applicable certification and other document fees.
The Principal may require an interview with the student, parent or
guardian, prior to the approval of the drop out / transfer out.

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2. Drop Outs due to Attendance
A student whose absences reached 44 days (>20% of the total number
of school days) will be processed for Drop Out due to Attendance and
may receive a failing grade. In such a case, the student will be charged
for the following circumstances, regardless of the actual attendance:

If notified within the first half Will pay 50% of the total fees due
of the school year - c/o and can refund the remaining
Principal excess payment

If notified after the first half Will pay 100% of the total fees due
of the school year - c/o and can refund the remaining
Principal overpayment

A Drop Out due to Attendance is confirmed and communicated by the

Principal. An interview with the student, parent or guardian, prior to
the endorsement of the Drop Out may be required.

Please refer to Section 10.2 on the policy and procedure in this regard.
Important:
● All outstanding balances, fees and arrears must be settled before
transfer documents can be released or re enrollment be
processed.
● As per Department of Education guidelines on the Voucher
Program, a beneficiary who drops out will automatically be
disqualified from continuing to participate in the SHS Voucher
Program.

3.4 Non-payment of Tuition and Other Fees

Tuition and other fees must be paid when they are due, as indicated in the
schedule to be provided by APEC Schools.
In case of late or non-payment of an installment, the parents and students
will be subject to the following:
1. There will be a late payment penalty of PhP150.00 for each
quarter the student has arrears or an overdue amount until May,
the end of the SY; FULL payment of the overdue amount
(including penalty) is required to avoid further penalties in the
succeeding quarters;

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 2. The report card will not be released to students having overdue
accounts, including penalties. The report card will only be released
when all overdue accounts have been paid;
3. A student with an outstanding account will need to secure an
exam pass or submit a promissory note one week before the
Quarterly Assessment;
4. Transfer credentials and transcript of records shall not be issued to
any student with outstanding accounts, including penalties;
5. Any student with outstanding accounts, including penalties shall
not be allowed to re-enroll in APEC Schools; and
6. For students who will not re enroll, APEC Schools will impose a 1%
monthly compounded surcharge for any outstanding balance after
the end of the SY. Computation is continuous until full payment
has been made including all surcharges.

3.5 Refunds for Overpayments

Over payments will be applied to the next school year otherwise a refund
request was made.

3.6 Statement of Accounts

Quarterly Statement of Accounts are sent to the parent’s primary email
used upon enrollment. Please regularly check this email so you do not miss
your due dates.

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4. Parents and Guardians Responsibilities
and Participation
APEC Schools consider parents and guardians as valuable partners in the
academic, social and character development of the students. Parents are
expected to adhere to responsibilities as partners in the child’s
development.
Parents and Guardians are invited to participate in the Student Support
Committee (SSC), as class assistants in community outreach programs, and
other school activities.
Parents may also set an appointment with the Principal, Academic
Coordinator, Operations Coordinator, Class Adviser or Subject Teacher of
the students for whatever purpose they deem necessary.

4.1 Parents and Guardians Responsibilities

APEC Schools greatly value the support of parents and guardians in
displaying school pride and embodying the Schools’ values and mission.
Parents and guardians are expected:
1. To attend the orientation meeting at the start of each school year;
2. To attend school meetings and events; e.g., Parent-Teacher
conferences, Report Card distribution day
3. To monitor the academic progress of the student. Topic outlines,
notes, and results of assessments are written in their subject
notebooks. Parents are encouraged to regularly review the
student’s notebooks;
4. To check daily, read and respond promptly to all communications
coming from the school, e.g., email, Branch FB Group, registered
mail, etc.
5. To respond to school communication such as circulars and surveys;
6. To always treat the school personnel and other parents, guardians,
and students with respect;
7. To pay the student’s tuition and fees promptly;
8. To coordinate with the Operations Coordinator any concerns with
the school, school personnel, co-parents, and students;
9. To adhere to APEC Schools’ policies and procedures, including
procedure on setting of appointments with School Head and
teachers;
10. To inform and update the school’s directory as to changes in place
of residence, email address, and contact numbers; and

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 11. Beforehand, to set an appointment with school personnel before
presenting a concern, as to ensure everyone’s attention,
availability, and adequate preparation.
12. To act in a courteous and calm manner. In cases where a parent or
guardian acts in an aggressive, threatening, or violent manner,
APEC Schools reserves the right:
● to direct the person to leave the school premises;
● to call security or proper authorities to remove the person
should he/she refuse;
● to disallow the person to enter the school premises; and
● to seek legal action.

4.2 Student Support Committee (SSC)

The Student Support Committee (SSC) shall be formed one (1) month after
school opening. The purpose of this committee is to provide a forum for
the discussion of issues and their solutions related to the total school
program and to ensure full cooperation of parents in the efficient
implementation. All parents are encouraged to be active members of the
SSC.
The membership in the SSC is open to parents and guardians of
duly-enrolled students. Membership in the SSC also includes the Principal
and the Operations Coordinator
A. Homeroom SSC Officers
The parents of each homeroom shall elect among themselves a set of SSC
officers which may include:
a. President
b. Vice President
c. Secretary
d. Treasurer
e. Auditor

For cases when a whole set is not needed, a parent representative per
section (per branch) at the minimum will be needed to be identified.
B. School Wide SSC Board of Directors
The SSC Board of Directors shall consist of the Presidents of the Homeroom
SSCs. From among themselves, the Board of Directors shall elect the
following:
a. President
b. Vice President

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 c. Secretary
d. Treasurer
e. Auditor
f. Grade Level Representatives (one per section)

4.3 Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent-teacher conferences are set to give parents and guardians the
opportunity to meet the Learning Facilitators, through the Principal or both
the Academic and Operations Coordinators to be able to consult the
teachers on the progress of the students on a one-on-one basis. The
occasion is also a chance to share highlights of the school year, make
announcements, and receive feedback from parents.
These conferences are scheduled during the distribution of report cards at
the end of each term. With Distance Education as the mode of learning
during the pandemic times, PTCs will have to be conducted online. Parents
get to set a schedule with the Operations Coordinator in order to meet the
subject Learning Facilitator (LF) / Class Adviser on a one-on-one basis, and
understand the academic progress of his/her child in class. Parents can also
have one-on-one talks with teachers by setting an appointment through
the Operations Team, in case the Parent cannot make it to the calendared
PTC.

4.4 Student Activities organized by SSC Members

Any event organized by the SSC requires a letter of intent from the
organizers and, when applicable, a proposed budget. Prior approval and
clearance from both the Operations Coordinator and the Teaching Team is
necessary because students, teachers and the academic hours may be
affected. A post activity report, including funds, expenses, and notes of
experience, should be submitted to the Operations Coordinator. APEC
Schools are not accountable for any collection initiated by SSC or any
collection outside of the official school fees.
SSC initiated activities should always be self-funding and voluntary,
meaning it cannot expect subsidy from APEC Schools nor compel students
to participate in its activities. SSC membership is voluntary to all parents.
Its charter is to represent the rest of the parents in matters affecting the
education of students in a specific APEC school.
Activities need to follow rules & regulations set by DepEd / LGU / IATF
especially on mass gathering, social distancing and other health and safety
protocols.

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4.5 School Communication Channels
A. EMAIL
Official school communications will be sent to the primary personal email
address of parents/legal guardians in the enrollment form.
Parents are required to check this email account regularly to be updated on
the latest school announcements and updates.
In case of changes to this email address, please notify the school
immediately to not miss any important communication.
B. Branch FB Group
Each branch maintains a closed FB Group for sharing students' activities
and achievements with the school community. These are also used to
broadcast important updates, especially during class cancellations or
holidays.
Parents are requested to join their branch FB Group to get immediate
updates and notices. Check your Admission Slips for the details on how to
join.
C. Branch Contact Details
Parents should directly get in touch with the branch administration office
for any concerns or questions. Contact information can be found in the
APEC website or Parent Portal ⇒ https://bit.ly/APEC-Branches
Each APEC Branch maintains the following communication channels for
your questions or concerns:
● mobile phone
● school email
● online HelpDesk
Note on proper communication decorum:
The Parent-School relationship is a partnership towards students’ learning
success. Let us always remember to treat each other with mutual respect
and appreciation to develop a collaborative and effective partnership.

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5. Academic Program
5.1 School Calendar
The School calendar will be distributed at the start of the school year. This
may be subject to change depending on the extent of class suspensions
brought about by disruptive weather or other events. Should there be a
need, make-up classes may be scheduled by the school. The Principal or
the Operations Coordinator will notify the parents in case of changes in the
school calendar.

5.2 Class Program and Schedule

The class program and schedule of each student will be provided in the first
two weeks of school. Any changes in the schedule shall be properly
communicated by the Academic Coordinator.
APEC Schools comply with the weekly minimum number of hours per
subject mandated; in fact, Math has longer contact hours than required by
DepEd.

5.3 Extra and Co-curricular activities

Extra and Co-curricular activities serve as opportunities for the learners to
practice and develop their personality, self-confidence, leadership and
interpersonal skills. These activities support and supplement the curricular
programs offered by APEC Schools to strengthen classroom learning.
A. Clubs
Clubs are formed at the beginning of the school year. The students, in
coordination with their Learning Facilitators, are encouraged to suggest
clubs that support their academic and skill interests.
These refer to organized groups of students that provide opportunities to
learn, explore and exercise the interests and skills they have obtained in
school, outside the confines of the formal classroom. They are designed
and organized for the students to pursue their interests and talents. Clubs
can be classified according to the following categories:
Regular Clubs
● Performing Arts (Dance, Glee, Theater Arts)
● Technology and Multimedia (Digital Arts, Photography, Blogging,
Vlogging, Podcast, Events Management)
● Sports/ Games (e,g, Board Games, eGames - doing Tournaments,
Tutorials)

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Special Clubs
● AMPLIFY: APEC Schools’ official student publication
● Peer Facilitators Group

B. Alternative Class Program (ACP)

ACP are activities that provide the students an opportunity to enhance
their learning experience, broaden their knowledge and develop the
necessary skills and values, by exposing them to “classes” that are outside
their daily routine and schedule.
The activities will be organized by the Student Council of each APEC
branch; Clubs and other recognized school organizations or groups may
also participate during the ACP.
There will be 1 or 2 ACP’s scheduled throughout the academic year. The
various groups may participate in one or all of the activities as scheduled in
the calendar. During ECQ or GCQ, the ACP will be conducted online.
C. Student Council
The Student Council is a group of elected students working together with
Lead Adviser (Operations Coordinator) and Deputy Adviser (Learning
Facilitator) to provide a means for student expression and assistance in
school affairs and activities, to give opportunities for student experience in
leadership, to help maintain order and uplift school spirit, and to foster
standards regarding camaraderie whereby stimulating cooperation among
the classes, faculty and administration.
The APEC Excellence in Student Leadership (APEX-SL) is a year-long
leadership and project development program for all Student Council
Officers who will be guided to initiate and manage projects that benefit
their own schools and the surrounding communities.
D. Co-Curricular Activities
Co-curricular activities are activities that aid learning in specific subjects /
domains. It is a required activity where the student earns a grade or mark
depending on her/his performance and is thus classified under
performance-based assessment. The annual Trade Fair under Research 1
for Grade 11, as well as some Araw ng Wika presentations (for Filipino) are
examples of co-curricular activities.

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E. Other activities
Other Activities refer to activities that are outside the realm of the regular
curriculum or structured learning, but are supportive of the holistic
development of the students. The Principal leads and implements the
activities for all sites. Examples are:
○ Leadership Seminar/ Camp
○ Educational Trips
○ Outreach Programs
○ Teachers' Day
○ Mental Health Week Activity
○ Friendship Day

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6. Academic Policies
6.1 Assessment
APEC Schools believe in the holistic development of a student by giving
equal importance to Knowledge, Mindset, Character, and Habits.
A. Mindset, Character, and Habits (MCH)
The MCH artifacts and students’ self-rating are the basis for grading EsP in
JHS, as well as for MCH in SHS.
1. MCH are assessed by the Learning Facilitator through learning
artifacts submitted in a Google Form, which are outputs produced
by the student in the course of his/her completion of modules
assigned for each quarter.
2. MCH Self-Rating enables students to assess the frequency of their
application/practices of the Mindset, Character and Habits in and
out of the classroom. This encourages them to take ownership of
their behavior and learning, and provides opportunities to
practice integrity and growth mindset.

B. Formative Assessments (FA):

In Junior High School, FAs are found in the experience Guides as
Checkpoints. This type of assessment gauges a student's understanding of
the concepts or target skills. Formative Assessments may be checked by
the students themselves as all EGs asre supplied with answer key. The LFs
may also, from time to time, go over the answers with the students. .
Based on the results of the FA, students can decide to move forward with
the experiences or study additional supplementary materials. For the LF,
results of FA can inform decisions in addressing gaps and weaknesses.
In Senior High School, experience modules also contain FA in teh form of
checkpoints. In addition, they have milestones noted in their IPBAs.s.
Rubrics that accompany milestones give students and teachers feedback as
they work through the milestones.

C. Summative Assessments:
They are made to evaluate student learning, skill acquisition, and academic
achievement at the end of every major and interrelated set of lessons.
Recorded and graded, the tests comprise part of the student’s grade at the
end of each quarter.

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 1. Open Assessments
Open Assessments (OA) comprises 40% of the quarterly grade of
Grades 7 to 12 students. These are objective-type-multiple-choice
tests that cover almost every learning objective for the quarter.
OAs can be taken any time for any number of times.
2. Integrated Performance Based Assessment
Integrated Performance Based Assessment (IPBA) contains 60% of
the quarterly grade of Grades 7 to 12 students. Mostly
output-based, IPBAs measure almost all of the competencies
introduced in different subjects/domains.
D. Remedial and Review Sessions
Remedial sessions may be conducted to help students who are struggling in
acquiring or mastering a skill. The LFs identify these students and plan the
corresponding remediation activities.

6.2 Grading System

Based on periodic assessments, the students are given numerical ratings
for each subject, skill, and value as measurement of their current
proficiency and performance. Below are the descriptions of the numerical
ratings:

Rating Description

The student has greatly exceeded all expectations. He/She

6 exhibits an exceptional level of understanding and application of
the learning competencies. The student practices the skill or
value consistently and in an exceptional manner.

The student has exceeded all expectations. He/She exhibits a

high level of understanding and application of the learning
5 competencies. The student practices the skill or value consistently
and in a commendable manner.

The student has performed above expectation. He/She exhibits

an average level of understanding and application of the learning
4 competencies. The student practices the skill or value with some
consistency and in an admirable manner.

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 The student has met expectations. He/She exhibits an acceptable
level of understanding of the learning competencies. The student
3 practices the skill or value with some consistency and in an
acceptable manner.

The student has met some expectations. He/She exhibits some

understanding of the learning competencies. The student is
2 starting to practice the skill or value but is still largely ineffective
and inconsistent. Much effort is still required.

The student has not met many of the expectations. He/She

exhibits limited understanding of the learning competencies. The
1 student does not yet fully understand the skill or value. Significant
effort and focus are required.

The numerical values above are those that appear in the APEC Schools
Student Report Card. These are transmuted into their equivalent
Department of Education K to 12 Basic Education grades when a formal
request for a copy of the Official Transcript of Records is received by the
School. The APEC Schools Grading system complies with the guidelines set by
the Department of Education for private schools.

A. Grade Computation
Grade 7 to 12
Grades in ALL Subjects are composed of
● iPBA - 60%
● Open Assessment - 40%
The Final Grade is the average of all Quarterly grades. The report card
reflects the Department of Education equivalent of the APEC Final Grade.

B. Promotion and Retention Policies

Grade Level Condition Action

Grade 7 A grade of 3 or The student is Promoted to the next grade

through higher in all level.
Grade 12 subjects

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Grade 7 A grade below The student is Retained in the current grade
through 3 in more than level.
Grade 10 two (2)
. subjects

Grades 7 A grade below The student must enroll and pass in a

through 3 in one or summer class or a special program.
Grade 10 two subjects Enrollment will entail payment of fees.

Grades 11 INCOMPLETE/ The student must take the remedial

through FAILED status program on the subject marked as
Grade 12 in any subject INCOMPLETE/FAILED.
Failure to complete by the end of the
prescribed period will entail the student to
reenroll in the subject in the following year,
subject to payment of the necessary fees.

Grade 12 A grade below A student with this condition will not be

3 in any eligible to participate in the Senior High
subject School graduation rites. A student is
required to re enroll and pass the academic
standards set in said subject/s before he or
she can earn the Senior High School
Certificate, subject to payment of the
necessary fees.

C. Failing Grade due to Poor Attendance

A student may be given a failing grade in the program due to absences as
per Section 133 of the revised 2010 Manual of Regulations for Private
Schools.
"Section 133. Absences. A pupil or student in every private school who
incurs absences of more than twenty (20%) percent of the prescribed
number of class or laboratory periods during the school year or term
should be given a failing grade and given no credit for the course or
subject. However, the school may adopt an attendance policy to govern
absences of its pupils or students who belong to the upper half of their
respective classes.”

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It is the student and parent's responsibility to inform the school of any
absence whether planned or unplanned. The school has the final say on
whether the absence is authorized or unauthorized.
Please refer to Section 10.2 for details on Excessive Absences and Dropping
Due to Absences.
D. Completion and Special Assessments
Junior High School
1. Special Assessments

The process for Special Assessments is applicable for students who were
not able to take or complete the academic requirements (i.e. SA, PBA) for
the quarter in (a) specific subject/s. Only students with
authorized/excused absences are allowed to go through this process.
The Special Assessments Process commences when the student returns
back to school after an absence that resulted in the student missing an
academic requirement. Student consults with the subject LF and both
parties agree on a schedule within the one (1)-week period upon return,
after verifying that the student’s absence is excused.
2. Completion Process (Special Completion Project)
Completion refers to the end of the school year process that allows a
student to prove acquisition of the minimum skills and competencies
needed to tackle the more complex concepts in the higher grade levels by
performing, submitting, and/or passing a requirement-project.
A Junior High student who has a final subject average below 3 or 75 in any
subject may be allowed to take part in the Completion process. A student
who fulfills the requirement/s during the Completion process is given a
passing rating of P for the Completion. The maximum final grade that
appears in the Report Card that the student earns after going through
the Completion process for a subject is a 3 or 75.
The Completion schedule set in the school calendar will be followed. The
details on the schedule of completion requirement/project per subject will
be arranged by the Teaching Team. The student is given at least five (5)
school days to complete and submit the special project or accomplish the
Completion requirement.
After Completion, the APEC Schools policies for the promotion and
retention of students who took part in the Completion process will be

33
applied, i.e. “A final grade below 3 in more than two (2) subjects, the
student is retained in the current grade level.”

Senior High School

Grades of INCOMPLETE (INC) are given to SHS students due to
● Non-completion of required milestones and outputs based on quality
standards defined by the rubric. for a subject/ domain and/or
● Non-completion of any other requirement/s within the designated
period.
The Completion Process for Senior High School will provide learners
enough time to comply with all the course requirements necessary for
them to progress to the next subject or grade level. The Completion period
is scheduled immediately following the quarter when the INC mark was
obtained. Students will be given another quarter to complete the INC
course. After the completion period - the student who fails to comply will
receive a failing grade. The ceiling grade for compliance is 75. APEC Schools
has the prerogative to revise the schedule and duration of the Completion
Period as needed.
Students are required to fulfill all course requirements within the
Completion Period. The students must meet performance standards (i.e.
set milestones and/or quarterly assessment) in order for a course
requirement to be considered complete.
Students who fulfill the requirements during the Completion Period, are
given a passing score with a ceiling grade of 75 or 3.
In cases where the student fulfills the requirements during the Completion
Period because of reasons deemed valid (i.e. excused or authorized) as per
policy, the student shall be given the actual computed grade as reflected in
the grades tracker, i.e. the ceiling grade does not apply.

E. Back Subjects
A Back Subject is a form of Completion granted to students who did not
fulfill the requirements for Completion during the period allocated to it.
Students who fail to fulfill the requirements during the prescribed The first
step to fulfilling the requirements is to enroll in the Back Subject. Payment
of the appropriate school fee is on a per Back Subject basis upon
enlistment.

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G12 students who Failed in the Completion in the schedule described
above, will have to enroll in a Back Subject in the following school year,
and will not be included in the list of graduating students.
G11 students who Failed in the Completion or still have an INC mark by
the date above will have to enroll in Back Subject/s in the following
school year. .

6.3 Student Awards

A. Academic Excellence Awards
The APEC Excellence Award (only Grade 12)
A recognition given to students who have consistently excelled in
academics and who have practiced the APEC values In Grade 12.

Qualifications:
● The student has a grade of 6 in all the subjects through all
quarters and a GWA of 90.0000 and above.
● The student does not have any Level 3 or Level 4 Behavioral
Management Record.

Levels: “Gold” Award: GWA of 98 - 100 (DepEd Transmutation)

“Silver” Award: GWA of 95 - 97
“Bronze” Award: GWA of 90 - 94

The APEC Merit Award (All Grade Levels)

A recognition given to students who have performed well academically
and who have practiced the APEC Mindset, Character, and Habits
consistently throughout the school year.
Qualifications for Grade 12 students
● Has no grade below 5 in all subjects through all the quarters but
failed to qualify for the Academic Excellence Award
● With a GWA not lower than 6 or 90.0000 in DepEd transmutation
by the end of the school year
● The student does not have any Level 3 or Level 4 Behavioral
Management Record

35
 Qualifications for Grade 7 to 11 students

● The student has no grade below 5 in all the subjects through all
quarters.
● With a GWA not lower than 6 or 90.0000 in DepEd transmutation
by the end of the school year.
● The student has a grade of 4 or above in all Mindset, Character,
and Habits (or the EsP for Junior High School only).
● The student does not have any Level 3 or Level 4 Behavioral
Management Record.

B. Leadership Awards
The APEC Leadership Award (Grades 10 and 12 only)
A recognition given to students who have made a significant
contribution and enhanced their student organization. The awardee
inspires the school community to excellence and acts of service.
● The student has served as an officer in any class, club or
organization officer in the last two SYs.
● The student has initiated and implemented a project that
benefitted the School and/or partner community.
● The student has a year end general average of 4 or above.
● The student has a grade of 4 or above in all Mindset, Character,
and Habits (along with the EsP Grade 10 only).
● The student does not have any Behavioral Management Record.

C. The Gerry Roxas Leadership Award (Grade 12 only)

(The Gerry Roxas Foundation determines on a yearly basis
applicability of this award.)
The Gerry Roxas Foundation, as the award-giving body, determines
whether the award will be given or not in a particular school year.
This award is given to the 12th Grade student leader who possesses
the qualities of service, integrity, and excellence.
● This awards program was developed in the belief that the youth
can be the stewards of enduring Filipino values as well as catalysts
for innovation and creativity.
● As a GRLA recipient, the awardee is entitled to attend leadership
camps, receive training on self-development and interpersonal
skills, as well as be qualified to apply for scholarship assistance for
college education.

36
 ● The selected candidate should possess the core values of Integrity,
Service, Excellence, and Active Involvement in School Activities

D. The Bayanihan: Group Project Award

(All Grade Levels)
A recognition given to outstanding TLE LifeLabs or club/organization
whose project made a significant impact or greatly contributed to the
school and/or community.
To qualify, the work or project must have been:
● implemented during the current SY. Because projects in LifeLabs
may extend over a prolonged period; e.g., multiple SYs, previous
projects that have already received the Bayanihan award are
disqualified in succeeding years,
● aligned to the themes and objectives in LifeLabs / clubs /
organization,
● a work that made significant impact on the target community or
sector in terms of improving the quality of education, health
practices, community safety, environmental sustainability, and
increasing economic opportunities or livelihood, and
● a work that displays concrete evidence of collaboration.

E. Subject / Domain Proficiency Awards

Recognition is given to the student who received the highest Subject
Average Grade (SAG) in the following: Junior High School: Math,
English Science, Social Studies, and Filipino and Senior High School:
Math, English, Science and Technology, Business, and Filipino.
To qualify, a student must have:
● completed at least one full academic year in any APEC school,
● a SAG of 6 transmuted to Dep Ed. Equivalent of 95.0000 and
above. In case of a tie the student who got the highest grade in
the subject/ domain computed up to four (4) decimal places will
all get the award; and
● no level 3 - 4 misbehavior.

F. Special Citations
(All Grade Levels)
A recognition given to students who have excelled in special interest,
skills, participation and/or advocacies in activities, events, and
competitions not organized by APEC Schools but has promoted and are
aligned with the Vision and Mission of APEC Schools.
37
 To qualify,
● the student’s involvement must have been duly recognized by
APEC Schools,
● the student’s involvement has brought recognition and honor to
APEC Schools, community, and/or nation, and
● the activity or event is aligned to the school’s thrust

G. The APEC Loyalty Award

(Grade 12 only)
A recognition given to a student who has completed all the grade
levels of both Junior and Senior High School in APEC.

6.4 Graduation and Moving Up Policy

A. Graduation and Moving (Regular Students)
Regular Grade 10 and Grade 12 Students are defined as those that
have complied with all their Academic and Documentation
Requirements by the end of the school year.

All Grade 12 and Grade 10 students are considered to be candidates

for graduation and moving up respectively provided that they have
complied with all the academic requirements and documentation
requirements.

Compliance with the academic requirement means that Grade 12 and

Grade 10 students should have passing marks in all their subjects by
the end of the school year as defined in the Academic Calendar.

Compliance to Documentation requirements means that Grade 12 and

Grade 10 students have submitted the following documents below by
the end of the school year as defined in the Academic Calendar.
i. F137 from Previous School
ii. Original PSA birth certificate

Students who are NOT CLEARED of academics, documents, and arrears

will NOT be eligible to participate in the moving-up/ graduation rites.

DepEd documents and diplomas will be processed only for those

students that qualify under the timeline defined above.

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B. Late Graduation(Irregular Students)
Irregular Grade 12 Students are defined as those that have NOT
complied with all their Academic and Documentation Requirements by
the end of the school year and they are eligible to apply for late
graduation or moving up.

All irregular students that have complied with their academic

requirements (i.e. passed their failed subjects) and/or documentary
requirements within the 1st semester of the succeeding school year
should apply for late graduation at their respective branches.

The Registrar will process all late graduation applications submitted at

the end of the 1st semester. All DepEd requirements will be processed
and the diploma will be released soon after.

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7. Student Services
7.1 Food and Drink
Students are encouraged to bring food from home. The school provides
potable water; however, students must bring their own water container.
There is a limited canteen concessionaire service that can be available
(subject to the health protocols) from whom students may buy during
break time. Eating and drinking inside classrooms and other school work
areas is allowed during these scheduled breaks. The students are expected
to adhere to the CLAYGO (“clean-as-you-go”) policy of the school. Students
are discouraged from going out of school premises to buy food and drinks.

7.2 Lost and Found

Students must take care of their personal belongings. Students are
cautioned against bringing valuable materials. It is requested that all
removable articles of clothing such as jackets, and bags be labeled with the
student’s name and contact details so that lost items can be returned.
APEC Schools are not responsible for any loss that may occur within our
school premises. Students should report immediately to the teachers or
School Head any items that have been lost.
All lost and found items will be kept at the Principal’s office. At the end of
the school year, all unclaimed items will be donated to charity.

7.3 Guidance and Counseling Service

APEC Guidance Services Website:
https://sites.google.com/apecschools.edu.ph/apec-guidance/home
Aligned with APEC Schools’ mission, the Guidance and Counseling Service
provides a developmental, preventive and responsive program which will
help students develop a sense of positivity and self-worth to overcome
life’s challenges and to contribute to society.
Students may avail of the guidance services, either online or through a
face-to-face session.
In its best effort to protect confidentiality and to meet any legal and ethical
requirements in the delivery of Guidance Services, the APEC Schools
Guidance provides the following guidelines:
1. Routine Interviews – This is a regular and scheduled check on a
student's adjustment to high school and to teen life and other
significant/relevant situations (e.g. the changing normal, new section
or group, etc). Students are invited through email for a routine

40
 interview (RI) with the site Guidance Counselor or Guidance Associate.
The RI session may either be conducted onsite or online, depending on
the preferred mode of the student
During on-site visits, the guidance counselor or the guidance associate
may randomly call students for a routine interview. Expect the routine
interview to last between 30 minutes to 1 hour.

2. Counseling – This is a service that aims to provide emotional support

and assistance to students to cope with their specific developmental
concerns and issues. Counseling sessions will be conducted either
individually or in small groups. A student may avail or counseling
service either by
● Setting an appointment with the Guidance Counselor or
Associate through the class adviser, any of the site leads, or
the Administrative Assistant, or by
● Filling up a Student Guidance Appointment Form (Google
Form link found in the APEC Schools Guidance Website).
The request for appointment shall be confirmed by the site GC/GA
through email or Google chat.
3. Referral - The Guidance Team accommodates referrals from members
of the APEC Schools community to counsel specific students. When
necessary, they may refer students to non-APEC Schools adolescent
health professionals.
4. Consultation with Parents - This service is offered for parents who wish
to seek help in dealing with the concerns of their children to help them
overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
Parents/guardians who wish to consult about their children’s concerns,
and/or refer them for counseling can set an appointment with the
branch site GC/GA by sending an email to the latter, or by coursing the
request through the site Principal, Coordinators or Learning Facilitator.
The site GC/GA may send the parent/guardian an invitation for a
conference as the need for it arises.
Confirmation of the appointment shall be communicated by the site
GC/GA through email or call.
5. Special Programs - The Guidance Team provides special programs and
activities that provide a better understanding of adolescent issues and

41
 concerns. These are also aimed at enhancing students’ skills in
dealing with personal, social, and emotional concerns.
Interested students who wish to participate in the special programs
and activities need to sign up and submit a signed parental consent
form.
6. Additional Guidelines:
● Appointments for counseling/consultation sessions for both
parents and students shall be set only within the work hours
of the site GC/GA.
● For students, appointments may be scheduled at any time
slot, provided the student has no performance or written
assessment at the time of the appointment
● Counseling/consultation sessions shall not exceed one hour.
● Sessions are deemed confidential and private. Thus, sessions
are not recorded as a whole or in part without the explicit
permission of the Counselor, student, and parent/guardian.
● Inappropriate behavior or attire will result in discontinuation
and/or rescheduling of the appointment for the session

The Guidance and Counseling team recognizes each student’s right to

privacy and their duty to protect it. They adhere to the Principle of
Confidentiality as provided by the the PRB Code of Ethics for
Registered and Licensed Guidance Counselors (2008), the Philippine
Guidance and Counseling Association (PGCA) Code of Ethics (2021),
the Philippine Mental Health Law (RA 11036), and the Data Privacy Act
of 2012. They ensure that student information gathered from routine
interviews, counseling sessions, and consultations are not disclosed to
anyone without the prior consent of the student-counselee. The
provision on confidentiality, however, does not apply in
life-threatening situations, cases of suspected child abuse, or when
release is otherwise required by law.
Parental consent will be required in the following situations:
● a student consults about the same issues for three times and there
is a need to extend the individual counseling session;
● there is a threat to the safety of the student or others; or
● a referral to a clinical psychologist, psychiatrist, therapists or other
allied health professionals is necessary.

42
7.4 Library Services
APEC Schools provides an online and physical library available to all
bonafide students, faculty and staff of APEC Schools. Access to the online
and physical library is subject to rules and regulations governing their use.
The APEC Schools Library consists of books, serials and non-book materials,
digital resources and instructional aids. The library participates in the
research and education program of the school by selecting, organizing and
providing easy access to these resources for research support, information
resource, and recreational reading of our students, faculty and
administrative staff.
APEC Schools Library also offers a Book Consultation service by emailing
the library or leaving a message thru tawk.to on our APEC Online Library.
This service aims to give our students insight about the book/e-book they
are about to read. And/or if they have questions about anything related to
the book they are about to read.
Access to the online materials, eBooks are available from 6 AM – 10 PM
every day of the week via the APEC Online library at
http://library.apecschools.edu.ph/
An online APEC Digital Learning Commons is also available to all students. It
consists of weekly book recommendations, learning resources such as:
games, videos and podcasts, online guidance corner, and an online student
corner that showcases school events and various leadership training.

7.5 Student Records and Registrar

The Registrar is the centralized academic records section that provides
support to all sites. All requests regarding student records must be coursed
through the Operations Coordinator. Note that some document requests
can already be produced and released by the branches. However, the
Transcript of Records (TOR) are centrally processed. The branch personnel
will be the ones to forward TOR requests to the Central Registrar.
For students and parents requesting for school documents from the school,
please allow for enough lead time to account for scheduling of release at
the branches at specific days only.
A. Request for School Records
All requests for records and certification should be done through the
Online Request Form. The link to the Google Form is available upon request
from the Operations Team.

43
Transcript of Records (F137/SF10) are issued to requesting student or
institution when the following requirements are met:
● Request letter from the current school (or LIS Transfer Out Request)
● Student’s F137/SF10 from the previous school is already forwarded to
APEC Schools
● Student has settled all financial obligations at APEC Schools
B. Processing Time
A list of all official documents together with their corresponding processing
time is indicated in the table below.

DOCUMENTS PROCESSING TIME

Certification of Enrollment, Tuition Fees,
15 - 30 working days
Graduation, Good Moral Character
Completion of Grade 15 - 30 working days
Official Transcript of Records (OTOR): Original 30 working days

APEC Schools will charge a fee for additional copies after the original set of
documents have been released for transfer to another institution and other
purposes.

C. Release
APEC Schools implements a by appointment office transaction policy.
Parents and Students should wait for a call or text message for their
confirmed schedule.

For the Transcript of Records, APEC Schools may release an electronic copy
only upon receipt of an email request from the current school.

D. Fees
Where applicable, requested documents will be charged 100 Pesos (except
for succeeding copies of the Transcript of Records and Diploma which cost
more to reproduce). Fees for documents should be paid via GCash Bills
Payment/BPI/Meralco Bayad Center/LBC. No cash payment will be
accepted in school.

APEC Schools reserves the right to charge for additional fees for rush or
urgent requests.

44
8. Safety, Security, and Sustainability
8.1 “New Normal” Protocols
In accordance with the guidelines issued by the IATF / DepEd / DOLE / LGU,
APEC Schools will be on a distance-based learning mode until face-to-face
classes are allowed. Our on-site office will open on a specified
pre-announced schedule for any transaction essential to be done
face-to-face. All implemented health and safety protocols would have to
be followed by employee, student, parents and other visitors upon
entering the school premises.

8.2 Emergency Procedures

APEC Schools prepare students and school personnel for emergency
situations. The schools conduct earthquake and fire drills regularly.
Emergency Plans are posted on bulletin boards. Students are also required
to bring their personal emergency kits or a ‘Grab Bag’ containing all or any
of the following: basic first aid kit, personal hygiene kit, whistle, flashlight,
biscuits, water and medication, if any.

8.3 Emergency Contact Information

Students are required to fill out their emergency contact information. In
emergency situations, the School will contact the parents or guardians
through the numbers listed in the student’s emergency information. It is
essential that the School be informed of changes in address, phone
number, or emergency contact person.

8.4 Staying in School Premises

A student may not leave the school premises until the end of the school
day without permission from the Teacher or Operations Coordinator. Out
of campus appointments; e.g., medical consultation, should be made
outside of school hours except those requiring emergency attention and
other special circumstances. Leaving school premises will require a written
consultation and explanation from the parent or guardian. Students are
not allowed to leave the school premises to obtain food or other items
during class hours. A breach of this policy may result in disciplinary action.
APEC Schools will inform the parents/guardians of the student’s class
schedule. Should there be a change in the schedule of a school mandated
activity, the parents will be informed ahead of time either through the
student’s diary, a printed letter from the Principal or Academic Coordinator,
and/or the School’s official Facebook group.

45
APEC Schools shall no longer be responsible for a student’s safety once
they have left school premises.

8.5 Internet Safety

APEC Schools provide students with access to the Internet and computers
for educational purposes only. Students are expected to use the provided
technology responsibly and only for the purpose stated above. Students
are required to sign and abide with the APEC Schools Technology Code of
Conduct (Annex H). Please refer to the Technology Code of Conduct for a
more comprehensive guide of APEC Schools Acceptable Use Policy.
APEC Student Emails
Students will be provided with APEC Schools email addresses. Students
should use their email addresses for school-related matters only, such as
submission of school work and research, and should not be used to create
online accounts for non-academic purposes (such as, but not limited to,
online shopping, social media, smart phone accounts). The usage of APEC
Schools email addresses to misrepresent APEC schools is subject to
disciplinary action.
With the shift to distance-based learning classes, students are expected to
use their APEC Schools email accounts regularly to attend online classes,
submit assignments and outputs. As such, students are expected to
safekeep their password and should not disclose it to their peers and
parents. It is also in violation of GMail Terms and Conditions for users to
share accounts. Parents will be provided with their own APEC email
accounts.

8.6 Social Media Guidelines

APEC Schools encourage students to use social media responsibly. Students
are expected to act with kindness and respect as they engage others
online. “Having your say” and “keeping up to date” is part of freedom and
communication but it is important that their personal profile pages reflect
the values of the school and that their pages remain free from vulgarity
and hateful messages. Please refer to the table below for specific
guidelines on what can and cannot be done in social media:

46
What A Parent or Student What A Parent or Student Shouldn’t Do
Can Do

Share experiences in APEC Schools; Should not share their personal

e.g., Hey guys, check out our contact numbers
fabulous group work!
Should not write any vulgar or
Share personal milestones in APEC; inappropriate comments
e.g.,”Project Management training
and workshop for Student Council Should not share any vulgar or
leaders: Check!” inappropriate photos

Clarify and confirm APEC features Should not share any vulgar or
based on their personal inappropriate links or videos
experiences i.e. testimonials; e.g.,
“It’s true that we have a no Should not use social media to bully,
homework policy.” stalk, or harass

Observe proper venues to air our Should not join or engage in any
concerns or issues. unofficial social media groups or pages
that are morally damaging or with an
intention to destroy anyone, including
their school’s reputation that might
subject them to a legal offense such as
libel or any applicable governing laws
of such act

APEC Schools reserve the right to audit any APEC School oriented online
and social media group or page and provide direction to close such should
its nature digress or run contrary to the intent and achievement of the
APEC Schools Vision and Mission.
No other social media page representing APEC Schools may be created or
managed. The following are the official social media accounts and online
assets of APEC Schools:
• Facebook - www.facebook.com/APECSchools
• Instagram - www.instagram.com/apecschools/
• YouTube - www.youtube.com/channel/UC8JJ5GoYBB0uFZZ95zJNCAw
• Twitter – www.twitter.com/APECSchools
• LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/APECSchools
• Website – https://www.apecschools.edu.ph

47
The trademark APEC Schools logo may not be used by any private or closed
Facebook groups or pages, without the express permission of the APEC
Marketing department. The APEC logo may not be changed, revised,
altered or distorted for use in any group or page. The logo may only be
used as part of official content from the official School social media pages.
Finally, as a measure of avoiding inappropriate behavior, APEC Schools
prohibits teachers from following individual students on social media and
vice versa. In the end, APEC places a greater premium on the role of
teachers and staff as mentors, less as friends on social media.

8.7 Sexual Awareness

Sex Education is important for five reasons:
1) it protects students from sex offenders;
2) it helps students to understand life and nature;
3) it ensures that all students learn accurate information at appropriate
stages in their development;
4) it prepares students for adolescence and
5) it guides teenagers to act morally and responsibly.

Should parents wish for student to be exempted the student from

attending sex education lessons, they should inform the School Head
immediately. APEC Schools may honor their preference.
Students should consider that certain posts and memes may, at the very
least, be offensive and even offensive to the point of harassment.

8.8 Child Protection Policy

APEC Schools does not tolerate any act of child abuse, exploitation,
violence, discrimination, bullying, and other forms of abuse.
Please refer to Annex B for our Child Protection Policy and Guidelines,
formulated pursuant to Department of Education Order No. 40, series of
2012 (also known as Department of Education Child Protection Policy).

8.9 Bullying and Harassment

APEC Schools provide a safe and secure learning environment for its
students. There is a zero-tolerance policy on bullying and harassment in
any form.
APEC Schools host communities characterized by respect, tolerance, civility,
and generosity towards its members. Bullying and sexual harassment of
any kind is unacceptable. The School has a responsibility to respond to
report incidents of bullying. When bullying or sexual harassment occurs
48
anywhere within the community (before, during, and after school, on- or
off-school premises, in buses, via text and email, on social networking
websites, and on school trips), the student has a responsibility of reporting
the incident to their parents, teacher or the school head. APEC Schools
shall deal with reported incidents promptly.
Please refer to Annex B and Annex C for our policy on Child Protection and
Anti-Bullying formulated pursuant to the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013, and to
Annex E for our Rules and Regulations to Implement Republic Act No. 7877
(also known as Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995).

8.10 Fundraising and Gift Giving

While select collections and fundraising may be led by the SSC or even the
student government; e.g., donations for the victims of a natural calamity,
those activities being pre approved by the Principal and Chain, APEC
Schools stands by its commitment to avoid extra charges, additional
expense on the part of parents, and the personal handling of money or
goods by its employees.
APEC Schools policies regarding fundraising and gift-giving are meant to
ensure that everyone is accorded equal treatment and unbiased
professional service. These guidelines are meant to avoid the practice of
Unapproved Fundraising and Inappropriate Gift giving. Thus, APEC Schools
specifically:
● prohibits personal fundraising by employees amongst parents and
students (selling benefit tickets, collecting contributions for a
recreational excursion, asking students to pay for extra-curricular
activities, collection for a personal advocacy, etc.),
● bars employees from selling items, whether for personal gain or
otherwise, ex. school supplies, uniform, diaries, food, etc.,
● rules out employees receiving cash on behalf of APEC or a
third-party supplier, and
● disallows employees from receiving personal gifts from students,
parents and third-party suppliers for any occasion.
Exempted are cards, thank you notes, and other written forms of
thanks and recognition.
Also exempted are food items; e.g., a box of pastries, as these will be
placed in a central location for everyone in the school community to
partake.

49
9. Health and Wellness
9.1 Student Health Information Form
Students are required to completely accomplish and submit the Student
Health Information Form upon enrollment. This serves as the School’s
reference for the student’s health and medical conditions and history. This
will allow the School to appropriately and properly respond to any incident
concerning health issues of the student while in school.
APEC Schools reserve the right to refuse enrollment to a student with a
special medical or learning condition should it feel that the School does not
have the capacity to look after and respond to the student’s needs.

9.2 Injuries and Medical Emergencies

APEC Schools students are provided with basic accident insurance
coverage.
Certain school personnel are trained to respond to minor accidents and
provide first aid. Should an injury require more attention or have the
nature of a medical emergency, the student will be brought to a nearby
medical center. Parents will be contacted immediately by the School Head.

9.3 Illness
Parents should not allow students to attend classes if they are ill. It is the
responsibility of a parent to inform the School Head if their child is likely to
have (or recently was diagnosed) with a communicable infection such as
chicken pox, strep throat, mumps, sore eyes, measles and COVID-19. The
School may require a medical certification relative to a student’s physical
fitness and ability to perform regular activities before he or she will be
allowed to return to class, including those related to psychological
concerns, and for an illness that results in an absence longer than three
consecutive school days.
If a student becomes ill while at school, the parent will be contacted by the
Operations Team to bring him or her home.
If more than one case of a disease occurs in a single area of the school,
APEC Schools will follow the isolation and quarantine regulations as
prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Parents are
encouraged to have their children be up-to-date with the
DOH-recommended vaccinations.
The School may require the student to submit a Medical Certificate
attesting that that he or she is fit to return to School and engage in regular
50
school activities given special conditions and concerns; e.g., mental health
concerns, chronic ailments, hospitalization, and debilitating injuries.

9.4 Medication
In cases where medication has been prescribed, parents must provide the
school with written consent indicating that the student may self-administer
at school.
Teachers and school personnel are not allowed to administer medication
unless parents have provided written explicit permission and full
instructions. In addition, the medication must be clearly labeled with the
student’s name, name of medication, dosage, and time to be given.
APEC Schools will not shoulder any responsibility for the consequences of a
self-administered or instructed medication nor is it responsible for ensuring
that medication is taken on time by a student.

9.5 Hygiene Kits and Grab Kits

Students are required to bring their own hygiene kits and grab kits when
on-site. Hygiene Kits should include: alcohol, comb, soap, toothpaste,
toothbrush, tissue and/or wet wipes, and sanitary napkins for women. A
‘Grab Bag’ should contain all or any of the following: basic first aid kit,
personal hygiene kit, whistle, flashlight, biscuits, water and medication, if
any.

51
10. School Policies
10.1 Flag Ceremony
A Flag Ceremony is held on Mondays at the start of the first subject.
During the flag ceremony, students must observe order, sing and act
properly. The following songs and pledges will also be sung or recited:
Lupang Hinirang, City Hymn (optional), APEC Hymn (Annex O) and APEC
Vision-Mission Statement, and Student Honor Code and Commitment
(Annex N).
Likewise, a Flag Retreat is held before ending the last subject on Friday.
Everyone sings the Lupang Hinirang and recites the Panunumpa ng
Katapatan sa Watawat. They conclude by reciting the APEC Pledge and
APEC Student Honor Code and Commitment.

10.2 Attendance and Punctuality

APEC Schools adhere to the provision in the Compendium of Education
Legislation for Private Basic Education (2011 ed.), Section 157.1: “A student
is required to be present for at least 80% of class days.” The number of
school days is set by APEC at the beginning of the school year. This may be
modified as the year progresses due to cancellation of classes for various
reasons such as weather disturbances, unplanned events/ activities, school
community projects, and the like.
Daily class attendance is recorded by the teachers. The student is
considered late once he or she is outside the classroom when the class
period starts during on-site classes.
During the online classes, punctuality means the student should submit
their attendance form before and within the first 15 minutes of class.
Submission of the attendance form after this time but within the first hour
renders the student to be tardy. Non-submission renders the student to be
absent.
A. Special Cases Requiring Student Attendance
The examples in bullets below are considered school days, and
non-attendance of a student is considered as absence. These special
school days are properly sanctioned by the school through the release of
notice to parents. Punctuality is also enforced during such activities.
● Out of School curricular events or site trips relevant to a school
requirement e.g. community project for Life Labs, industry immersion
activity, etc.
52
● Extra- or co-curricular activities on a non-school day or outside of
school premises e.g. Alternative Club Projects, Sportsfest, etc.
● School activities during weekends or school break e.g. Club meetings,
make-up classes, etc.
B. Excused Absence/Tardiness
For a scheduled absence or foreseen tardiness to be excused, an excuse
letter from the parent or guardian should be submitted at least one day
before. In a physical and face-to-face setting, the early release of a student
is best communicated beforehand. In an online environment, it becomes
even more important for parents to monitor and process their child’s
attendance and punctuality given the School’s limitations.
In case of unforeseen absence, the parent or guardian should call or
message the school on the day itself through the Operations Team, this
team then informs the LF, and the student is required to present an Excuse
Letter upon return to school/ virtual class after one to three days of
absence. For prolonged absence, the parent sends an Excuse Letter with
pertinent attachments to the Operations Coordinator, for approval of the
Academic Coordinator upon recommendation of the LF.
A student will be required to submit a medical certificate when absence
● is more than three consecutive days, or as applicable;
● occurs during the Quarterly Assessment; or
● occurs during the submission and presentation of a major project.
C. Authorized Reasons for Absence, Tardiness and Early Release
A student who exceeds the maximum allowable absences; i.e., 20% of the
total number of class days, regardless if authorized or unauthorized may be
dropped from the official list of students and given a failing grade. APEC
Management may grant an exception to this rule if the absences are
excused and authorized.
The following are considered valid reasons for an absence, tardiness, or
request for early release:
● illness or injury of the student, with medical certificate, as applicable;
● scheduled medical or dental procedure, with medical certificate or
proof of appointment;
● in case of a natural calamity or disaster;
● a special emergency procedure such as the hospitalization/ emergency
testing/ quarantine for (an) immediate family member/s for possible
Covid case/s.
Family emergencies will not be automatically considered as valid reasons
for absences, tardiness or early release. Such family emergency reasons will
53
have to be assessed on a case by case basis. For a family emergency to be
considered as a valid reason, an example may involve the family members
living in the same physical residence; i.e. , parents, siblings, even extended
family members, in the event of Covid + cases.
D. Punctuality
APEC students are expected to punctually attend their classes, whether
conducted on-site or online. Numerous studies affirm the negative impact
of tardiness on learning outcomes - late students receive fewer
instructional hours, develop detrimental habits, and their late arrivals can
disrupt the learning environment for their peers. Additionally, consistent
tardiness often causes teachers to reteach material and late students to
miss important announcements and academic activities.
During distance-based learning, punctuality remains paramount. Late
students risk missing activities designed to foster connections,
exacerbating the existing gap from their classmates.
For instances of chronic and persistent tardiness in a physical classroom
setting, the school reserves the right to address the issue directly with the
student and arrange a parent-teacher conference if necessary.
E. Make-Up or Completion Activity
Only an excused or authorized absence, excused tardiness or excused
release from school entitles a student to a makeup test/ task. All
documents needed for the absence, tardiness or early release to be
considered excused, must be submitted to the Operations Coordinator or
adviser, through email or the diary. Failure to do so will automatically
render the absence, tardiness or early release to be unexcused or
unauthorized and as such, the student is NOT entitled to a make-up or
completion activity, and any requirement missed will be given a grade of
zero (0).
F. Excessive Absences
A student who exceeds the maximum allowable absences of 20% (44 days)
of the total number of school days (220 days) set by DepEd, may be
dropped from the official list of students after the school has complied with
the prescribed procedure for dropping students. A student who has not
reported to school for an entire quarter without informing the school is
automatically dropped from the official list of students.
It is the students’ and parents’ responsibility to inform the school of any
absence whether planned or unplanned. The school will then make a
decision on whether the absence is authorized or unauthorized.

54
An accumulated number of absences exceeding the 20% limit allowed by
DepEd, regardless of the reasons provided, may lead to the student being
dropped from the program.
First written notice will be given once the student has reached the 10% (or
22 days) absence limit. The second written notice is given when the
student exceeds the 15% (or 33 days) limit. When the student exceeds the
20% (44 days) limit, the student's status will be changed to DROPPED,
following the protocol of sending a notice of official dropping to the parent
and student in the form of E-mail and Registered mail.
In case of a student being dropped from the official list a mark of DROPPED
in the Final Report Card is equivalent to getting a failing grade. Thus, the
student cannot go back to school for the rest of the school year. However,
in case the student wants to re enroll in the next school year or in the
subsequent years, he/she may do so in the grade level for which he/she is
qualified and agrees to a social contract committing to regular school
attendance.
G. Dropping due to Absences
In case of absenteeism, APEC Schools follow a simple procedure in warning
students and parents of Excessive Absences and finalizing a Drop Out due
to Absences. Communications with the parents are through email for
parents/guardians. Registered mail may also be used once available.

Parent notification are done as follows:

● The parent/ guardian is informed via call or email when the student
incurs 11 absences, which means that the student has reached 5% of
the maximum 0f 20% absences allowed for the entire school year.
● A First Written notice of Excessive Absences once the student has
reached the 10% limit (22 absences).
● A Second and Final Written notice of Excessive Absences once the
student has reached the 15% limit (33 absences).
● The Operations Coordinator communicates a notice of Official
Dropping status due to Excessive Absences once the student has
surpassed the 20% limit (44 absences). This will be sent via Registered
mail and E-mail.

Students who are dropped will be required to pay the full school year
tuition fee.

55
10.3 Cancellation of Classes and Specific Procedures
Whether on-site or on distance-based learning, classes may be canceled
following the guidelines below:

Condition How parents/students may

get information:

Classes in preschool to highschool are https://www.deped.gov.ph/w

automatically suspended if: p-content/uploads/2022/09/
a. Typhoon Signals DO_s2022_037.pdf
PAGASA puts the region or the
city/municipality under typhoon
signal numbers. 1 to 5.
b. Rainfall and Flood Warning
PAGASA issues Orange or Red Rainfall
and Flood Warning in areas where
schools and residences are situated.
c. Earthquake
PHIVOLCS declares an earthquake
with PEIS V and above in schools
situated in LGUs.

No typhoon signal and rainfall https://www.deped.gov.ph/w

warning are issued but the local p-content/uploads/2022/09/
government unit (LGU) suspends DO_s2022_037.pdf
classes due to threats to public health Official LGU soc med sites,
and safety; e.g., heavy rains, floods, news, etc.
high tide, earthquakes, transport
strikes, and other circumstances.

APEC Schools through the Principal Facebook Group posts from

suspends classes. the Principal the day before
or the day itself, or in person.

Unless one of the conditions above is met, classes continue, and students
are expected to attend a full school day.
During distance-based learning, students are encouraged to still do the
modules and do individual study.
Parents have the ultimate responsibility for determining if a student should
go to school or not, even if no order for the suspension of classes has been
56
issued by PAGASA or the LGU, taking into utmost consideration the safety
of their child. Parents should notify the Operations Team through a call or
SMS if they decide not to send the student to school.
In cases when suspension of classes is announced by PAGASA or the LGU
when the student is already in school attending classes, students will not
be allowed to leave the school premises immediately to ensure the security
and safety of the students. Students may only be released if a parent or
guardian personally fetches the student or calls and advises the School
Head that they are allowing the student to go home on their own.
When classes are suspended on the day of a scheduled examination or
activity; e.g., program or contest, the examination or the activity will be
held on a later date.
APEC Schools reserve the right to schedule make-up classes to address
lessons that were missed due to the suspension of classes.
IMPORTANT: Make-up classes may be scheduled on Saturdays immediately
following the cancellation of classes. This will be confirmed via the FB
groups and other official means of communications.

10.4 APEC Marketing Services

Promotion of APEC Schools, the APEC Schools Vision and Mission, and
the APEC Schools Program
APEC Schools have the right to conduct sales and marketing efforts,
promoting it to the public, parents in the community, and potential
students. Sales and marketing efforts cover, but are not limited to: leads
generation, market research, survey taking, maintaining a contact
database, promotion in different media such as mass media, including TV,
radio, print and indoor/outdoor materials, as well as the internet, social
media, and other digital materials.
APEC Schools reserves the right to request information, and to take photos,
videos, and audio recordings of their students and their parents in action
while in class, or as may be requested and directed by officials and
representatives of the company and school. Students’ and parents’ names,
likeness, and biographical information may be used to promote the
services of the school. It is understood that no fees or compensation will be
given to those who may be featured in such sales and marketing efforts.
Copies of the materials will be the property of APEC Schools, and the
company may utilize these materials as it deems necessary or in perpetuity.

57
Students, parents, and teachers may request the company and school for
copies of these materials.

10.5 Appropriate use of APEC brand

The APEC Schools name, mark, and logo are owned and managed by APEC
Schools and may not be reproduced, downloaded, disseminated,
published, applied, used, altered, or transferred in any form or by any
means, except with the prior written permission of APEC Schools
Marketing office, and only under guidelines prescribed by the office. This
covers any name, mark and logo by APEC Schools and its parent school or
institution. Any unauthorized use of the name, mark, logo, content, and
images, or any other material owned by APEC Schools, past and in the
future, is strictly prohibited and may result in severe disciplinary action.

10.6 APEC Privacy Policy and Terms of Agreement

APEC Schools aims to comply with the Data Protection Act of 2012. We
respect your child’s right to privacy and confidentiality of his/her personal
information.
In line with this, parents are required to review APEC Schools’ Privacy
Policy and Terms of Agreement in Appendix J before signing it. By signing,
you acknowledge that you have read the Policy and the Terms and agree to
be bound by and comply with them.

58
11. Code of Conduct and Discipline
APEC Schools Code of Conduct offers the basic foundation of normative
guidelines to aid in the overall development of its students in accordance
with the school’s philosophy, vision and mission, as well as the Child
Protection Policy and the laws of the state. It represents the dedication of
the school to create morally upright and socially responsible individuals.
By enrolling at APEC Schools, students, parents and guardians agree to
abide by its policies, rules, and regulations; to accept the prescribed course
of study; and to meet the requirements as to attendance, diligence in
study, personal conduct, and complete settlement of financial obligations.

11.1 Basic Rights and Responsibilities

a. A student has the right to be respected by his or her teachers,
school officers, and all other adults in the school premises. In turn,
the student also has the responsibility to respect all school
authorities and fellow students. A student has the right to be
heard, but also has the responsibility to listen.
b. A student has the right to express his or her ideas and opinions.
However, APEC Schools reserve the right to regulate the content
and manner if it deems such expression is offensive, obscene,
vulgar and degrading to others and the school. A student has the
right to express his or her individuality in ways that are appropriate
and respectful of those inside and outside the school community.
c. A student has the responsibility to be punctual at classes, and to
come to class prepared. A student must also participate and
contribute to class discussions and submit school work on or before
the due date, with quality, and without cheating.
d. A student must respect the school facilities, equipment, furniture
and fixtures, learning materials (textbooks and activity sheets), and
all school property. A student may be charged for damage or
destruction to school property. In these cases, a possible
disciplinary action may be taken.
e. A student has the right to have a safe and healthy school
environment. A student should display high regard for the APEC
community members’ sexuality, race, religious affiliation, and
political beliefs. A student is also obliged to maintain cleanliness
and orderliness in all areas of the school.
f. A student has the right to join activities outside school. A student
has to remember that none of these activities should, in any way,

59
 damage the school's reputation, particularly in light of the ideals
and standards it upholds.

11.2 Students Personal Belongings

Students must take care of their personal belongings such as mobile
phones, laptops and other electronic gadgets. The responsibility and care
for mobile phones and similar devices is analogous to a student’s care for
his own wallet. APEC Schools discourage students from bringing valuable
items like jewelry and expensive watches. The thrust has always been to
form the student’s character, including self-management skills.
The following are guidelines to the use and safekeeping of mobile phones,
similar devices, and analogously, other personal belongings:
● Students cannot use mobile phones and similar personal devices inside
the classroom during class hours. The misuse of mobile phones can
adversely impact the focus of individual students, the classroom
teacher, and the rest of the class. Therefore, students need to consult
the exceptional use of mobile phones because they are rarely needed
in the classroom and academic context. Therefore, students can only
use the phones and devices during long breaks, not between subjects.
● The request for use of mobile phones while classes are ongoing should
be supported by the explicit request of a parent. Because the use is
exceptional then the School will require parents to communicate each
specific and occasional request. If permission is granted, the student
may step out of the classroom and use the device in a manner that is
not distracting. After completing the call, the student will then put it
away immediately.
● The School may choose to confiscate a student’s phone if the violation
is repeated or chronic. The School will inform the parent or guardian
each time the private property of a student is confiscated. A process
of escalation should be followed:
a) First, confiscation, after which, the item will be returned at the
end of the day, then
b) Second, confiscation, after which, the item can only be redeemed
by the parent’s specific request each time in writing or by a
personal appearance.

11.3 Student Email

The APEC Schools Student Email is intended to ease communication
between student, teacher and the School. Proper use of the APEC Schools

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Student email should always be followed. Non-re-enrollment will
automatically mean suspension of the student email in the succeeding
school years.

11.4 School Uniform and Dress Code

During distance-based learning, students are expected to wear decent
(non-revealing sleeved shirt/blouse) and comfortable clothing.
When on-site, students are required to wear the prescribed school uniform
during class days, unless otherwise notified by the teacher or the School
Head.
A. School Uniform
Regular Uniform
Junior High School Senior High School
Official blouse or polo Official blouse or polo with tie and
Senior High School pin
Official skirt or pants Official skirt or pants
White socks Black socks (boys)
Black Foot socks (girls)
Black shoes Black shoes
School ID School ID

PE Uniform
Junior/Senior High School
Official PE T-shirt
Official APEC jogging pants
Rubber shoes
School ID
During PE class day, students should come to school in the official PE
uniform. Shorts, cycling pants, denim pants, leggings, and jeggings are not
allowed. Moreover, a student who isn’t attired in the complete PE uniform
may be disallowed from taking the PE assessment or engaging in PE
activities.
The wearing of school uniforms by students helps build self-confidence and
a sense of connection with their community. At the same time all students
who wear the school uniform in a public setting are viewed as
representatives of the APEC community, therefore they should be
conscious of this honor and responsibility.

61
B. School Identification Card (ID)
The ID is required to be worn upon entry into the school. While on campus
and during out-of-campus official school activities, a student is required to
always wear his/her School ID. The ID is considered part of the uniform and
is worn slung over a student’s neck. The absence of the ID is a violation of
the school’s security measures and the school uniform policy.
A student who loses his ID is given three days to look for it after which the
student must request for the replacement. If a student’s ID is lost,
destroyed, or damaged, a replacement card may be obtained for a fee.
C. Appearance
Headwear - Students are not allowed to wear caps, sunglasses, bandanas,
combs or any type of headgear in the school buildings. Exceptions will be
made for athletic situations, religious beliefs, or other reasons approved by
the school.
Jewelry - Students are discouraged from wearing valuables like rings, loop
earrings, bracelets and necklaces at our school. Boys are not allowed to
wear earrings in school.
Hair – Students’ hair must be kept clean and neat. A distracting
attention-grabbing highlight or colored hairstyle is discouraged.
Nail polish – Only neutral colors are allowed for Senior High School
students.
Tattoos – Students are discouraged from bearing visible tattoos. APEC
Schools reserve the right to deny the entry or enrollment of a student on a
case-to-case basis. Special consideration will be given towards tattoos that
pertain to cultural, tribal heritage, or religious beliefs.

11.5 Behavior Management System

MORAL EXCELLENCE is the foundation of student discipline and behavior
management in APEC Schools. Every APEC student is called to always BE
GOOD and DO GOOD. A frequent point of reflection for every student is
“Will my actions/behavior benefit me and others to be good/to do good?”

The following principles guide APEC’s philosophy for managing behavior:

1. Character Education is the center of APEC Schools’ behavior
management system;
2. Reflection and processing of one’s misbehavior is essential to Learning;
3. The Home and School are partners in teaching and sharing values; and
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4. APEC Behavior Management System respects the rights of the students
yet reinforces duties and obligations.
In APEC Schools, Behavior Management is the wide support system of
policies and actions to create an effective learning and a positive school
environment. This includes the Character Education program, such as EsP
and Homeroom lessons, as well as the basic classroom etiquette, the
procedures and decisions to remedy and sanction student misbehavior.
A student who fails to observe the basic responsibilities mentioned above
and/or commits any offensive acts stipulated in the Behavior Management
guidelines will be subject to disciplinary action.
Please refer to Annex F for details on the Behavior Management system
including details on the Levels of Misbehavior, Sanctions, and Policies with
regard to Bag Search, and Drug Testing Procedures.

11.6 Basic Classroom Etiquette

ONE VOICE: Listen and respect others while they are talking. Whenever
the teacher is speaking, or another student has been asked to speak, no
one else is allowed to speak.

1. Respect: Be considerate with one’s feelings, rights, and beliefs. Be

kind and use positive words.
2. Volume: Speak clearly. Learn to lower your voice during group
tasks.
3. Listen: Track the speaker.
4. Leaving class: Use your break times appropriately. Seek
permission first.
5. Property: Respect the school and other’s property. Be
accountable for your own belongings.
6. Passing notes: Raise your hand if you have something to share.
7. Cleanliness: Pick up all trash. Get your classroom spick and span.
8. Presentability: Wear your uniform properly and observe proper
hygiene.

63
Annex A: APEC Payment Methods

Reference Codes

64
Bayad Center

65
GCASH

66
BPI Express Assistant

67
Note: Make sure to enroll APEC Schools as MERCHANT through BILLS
Payment

68
BPI Digital Payment

• Go to the the BPI Digital Payment Link →

https://apecschoolspay.com/
• Follow the instructions

69
Dragon Pay

70
Paymaya

71
72
DiskarTech

73
MAYA Credit Card or e-wallet

• Go to the APEC-MAYA payment portal →

https://payments.apecschools.edu.ph/
• Follow the instructions

74
Annex B: Child Protection Committee and
Guidelines
RATIONALE
APEC Schools supports and adopts the zero-tolerance policy of the Department
of Education against any act of child abuse, exploitation, violence,
discrimination, bullying, and other forms of abuse.
PRINCIPLES
The School aims to inculcate patriotism and nationalism, foster love of
humanity, respect for human rights, appreciation of the role of national heroes
in the historical development of the country, teach the rights and duties of
citizenship, strengthen ethical and spiritual values, develop moral character and
personal discipline, encourage critical and creative thinking, broaden scientific
and technological knowledge. To this end, it shall:
1. Ensure that the institution remains an environment conducive to
learning.
2. Ensure that all children shall be protected from all forms of abuse and
bullying.
3. Advocate a positive and non-violent mode of disciplining children
4. Take steps to prevent bullying and ensure that the appropriate
interventions, counseling, and other services are provided for the victims
of abuse, violence, exploitation, discrimination, and bullying.
5. Inculcate respect for the rights of others; and
6. Encourage involvement of parents in all school activities or events that
raise awareness on children’s rights, positive discipline, and the
prevention of bullying.
DEFINITIONS
"Violence against children committed in schools" refers to a single act or a
series of acts committed by school administrators and/or personnel against a
child, which result in or is likely to result in physical, sexual, psychological harm
or suffering, or other abuses including threats of such acts, battery, assault,
coercion, harassment, or arbitrary deprivation of liberty. It includes, but is not
limited to, the following acts:
1. Physical violence refers to acts that inflict bodily or physical harm. It
includes assigning children to perform tasks which are hazardous to their
physical well-being.
2. Sexual violence refers to acts that are sexual in nature. It includes, but is
not limited to:
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 a) rape, sexual harassment, acts of lasciviousness, making demeaning
and sexually suggestive remarks, and physically attacking the sexual
parts of the victim's body;
b) forcing the child to watch obscene publications and indecent shows or
forcing the child to do indecent sexual acts and/or to engage or be
involved in, the creation or distribution of such films, indecent
publication or material; and
c) acts causing or attempting to cause the child to engage in any sexual
activity by force, threat of force, physical or other harm or threat of
physical or other harm or coercion, or through inducements, gifts, or
favors.
3. Psychological violence refers to acts or omissions causing or likely to cause
mental or emotional suffering of the child, such as but not limited to
intimidation, harassment, stalking, damage to property, public ridicule or
humiliation, deduction or threat of deduction from grade or merit as a
form of punishment, and repeated verbal abuse.
4. Other acts of violence of a physical, sexual, or psychological nature that are
prejudicial to the best interest of the child.
"Bullying" refers to willful aggressive behavior directed towards a victim who
may be out-numbered, younger, weak, with disability, less confident, or
otherwise vulnerable. It is an act or a series of acts directed towards a student
or several students in a school setting or a place of learning, which results in
physical and mental abuse, harassment, intimidation, or humiliation. Such acts
may consist of any one or more of the following:
1. Threats to inflict a wrong upon the person, honor, or property of the
person or on his or her family.
2. Stalking or constantly following or pursuing a person in his or her daily
activities, with unwanted and obsessive attention.
3. Taking of property.
4. Public humiliation, or public and malicious imputation of a crime or of a
vice or defect, whether real or imaginary, or any act, omission, condition,
status, or circumstance tending to cause dishonor, discredit, or expose a
person to contempt.
5. Deliberate destruction or defacement of, or damage to, the child's
property.
6. Physical violence committed upon a student, which may or may not result
in harm or injury, with or without the aid of a weapon. Such violence may
be in the form of mauling, hitting, punching, kicking, throwing things at the
student, pinching, spanking, or other similar acts.

76
7. Demanding or requiring sexual or monetary favors, or exacting money or
property, from a pupil or student.
8. Restraining the liberty and freedom of a pupil or student.
“Cyber-bullying” is any conduct defined in the preceding paragraph, as
resulting in harassment, intimidation, or humiliation, through electronic means
or other technology, such as, but not limited to texting, email, instant
messaging, chatting, internet, social networking websites, or other platforms or
formats.
"Other acts of abuse by a student” refers to other serious acts of abuse
committed by a pupil, student, or learner upon another pupil, student, or
learner of the same school, not falling under the definition of `bullying' in the
preceding provisions, including but not limited to acts of a physical, sexual, or
psychological nature.
DUTIES OF SCHOOL PERSONNEL
School administrators, teachers, and other personnel exercise special parental
authority and responsibility over the child while under their supervision,
instruction, and custody. Authority and responsibility shall apply to all
authorized activities whether inside or outside the premises of the School,
entity, or institution. To this end, they shall:
1. Keep students in their company and support, educate and instruct them by
the right precepts and good examples.
2. Give them love and affection, advice and counsel, companionship and
understanding.
3. Enhance, protect, preserve, and maintain their physical and mental health.
4. Furnish them with good and wholesome educational materials, supervise
their activities, recreation and association with others, protect them from
bad company, and prevent them from acquiring habits detrimental to their
health, studies, and morals.
5. Represent them in all matters affecting their interests.
6. Inculcate the value of respect and obedience.
7. Practice positive and non-violent discipline, as may be required under the
circumstances; provided, that in no case shall corporal punishment be
inflicted upon them.
8. Perform such other duties as are imposed by law upon them, as substitute
parents or guardians.

DUTIES OF STUDENTS
Students shall have the following duties and responsibilities:
1. Comply with the School's regulations, as these are in harmony with their
best interests. Pupils, students, and learners shall refrain from:
77
 a) Engaging in discrimination or leading a group of pupils or students to
discriminate another person’s physical appearance, weaknesses, and
status of any sort.
b) Doing any act that is inappropriate or sexually provocative.
c) Participating in behavior of other students that is illegal, unsafe, or
abusive.
d) Marking or damaging school property, including books, in any way.
e) Engaging in fights or any aggressive behavior.
f) Introducing into the school premises or otherwise possessing
prohibited articles, such as deadly weapons, drugs, alcohol, toxic and
noxious substances, cigarettes, and pornographic materials.
g) Performing other similar acts that cause damage or injury to another.
An allegation that any of these acts has been committed shall not be used
to curtail the child's basic rights or interpreted to defeat the objectives of
this Department Order.
2. Conduct themselves in accordance with their levels of development,
maturity, and demonstrated capabilities, with a proper regard for the rights
and welfare of other persons.
3. Respect another person's rights regardless of opinion, status, gender,
ethnicity, religion, as well as everyone's moral and physical integrity.
4. Observe the Code of Conduct for pupils, students, and learners.

ESTABLISHMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION COMMITTEE (CPC)

The CPC shall perform the following functions:
1. Initiate information dissemination programs and organize activities for the
protection of children from abuse, exploitation, violence, discrimination
and bullying, or peer abuse.
2. Develop and implement a school-based referral and monitoring system.
3. Establish a system for identifying students who may be suffering from
significant harm based on any physical, emotional, or behavioral signs.
4. Identify, refer and, if appropriate, report to the appropriate offices cases
involving child abuse, exploitation, violence, discrimination and bullying.
5. Give assistance to parents or guardians, whenever necessary in securing
expert guidance counseling from the appropriate offices or institutions.
6. Coordinate closely with the Women and Child Protection Desks of the
Philippine National Police (PNP), the Local Social Welfare and Development
Office (LSWDO), other government agencies, and non-governmental
organizations (NGOs), as may be appropriate.
7. Monitor the implementation of positive measures and effective procedures

78
 in providing the necessary support for the child and for those who care for
the child.
8. Ensure that the children's right to be heard are respected and upheld in all
matters and procedures affecting their welfare.

PROCEDURES IN HANDLING BULLYING INCIDENTS

A complaint for bullying or peer abuse shall be acted upon by the Principal in
accordance with the following procedure:
1. Upon the filing of a complaint or upon notice of any bullying or peer abuse
incident, the parents or guardian of the victim and the offending child shall
be called and informed in a meeting called for that purpose. After the case
has been resolved, both the victim and the offending student may be
referred to the Guidance Counselor for counseling and other
interventions.
2. If bullying is committed for a second or subsequent time, after the
offending child has received counseling or other interventions, the penalty
of suspension for not more than one (1) week may be imposed by the
School Head, if such is warranted. During the period of suspension, the
offending child and the parents or guardians may be required to attend
further seminars and counseling. The School Head shall likewise ensure
that the appropriate interventions, counseling, and other services, are
provided for the victim or victims of bullying.
3. In all cases where the imposable penalty on the offending child is
suspension, exclusion, or expulsion, the following minimum requirements
of due process shall be complied with:
a) The child and the parents or guardians must be informed of the
complaint in writing.
b) The child shall be given the opportunity to answer the complaint in
writing, with the assistance of the parents or guardian.
c) The decision must be in writing, stating the facts and the reasons for
the decision.

OTHER ACTS OF VIOLENCE OR ABUSE

The conduct of investigation and reporting of cases of child abuse, exploitation,
violence, or discrimination, shall be done expeditiously, as herein provided.
A complaint for child abuse, violence, exploitation, or discrimination shall be
filed with the Principal/Operations Coordinator and shall be acted upon
pursuant to the School's rules of procedures on administrative cases. The
penalty shall be that which is provided by the rules of the School, subject to the
requirements of due process.
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The administrative case shall be without prejudice to any civil or criminal case
that may be filed.
REFERRAL AND COUNSELING
The referral of an offender for counseling is usually done after the behavioral
management case has been resolved so as not to prejudice the counseling
process. Depending on the nature and circumstances of a bullying or
harassment case, the offended party or victim may be referred to counsel even
while the case is being resolved.
Aside from imposing a disciplinary measure commensurate to the action of the
student, a necessary counseling shall be accorded to the students since the
School’s purpose is not to convict the students but to assist him/her to realize
his/her misbehavior. The parent or guardian may be invited to take part in the
counseling process or session if necessary, depending on the determination or
discretion of the Guidance Counselor.
After the series of sessions, follow-ups shall be done by the Guidance Counselor
to monitor the improvement of the behavior of the child. Consistent
communication and coordination by the Guidance Counselor with the teacher/s
and parent shall also be made to get feedback based on the result of
observation about the child’s behavior.
CHILD PROTECTION COMMITTEE
Chairperson -Principal and/or Operations Coordinator
Vice Chairperson -Guidance Counselor or Academic Coordinator
Members -Representative/s of the Learning Facilitators
-Representative of the Parents
-Representative of pupils, students and learners
-Representative from the Community.

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Annex C: APEC Schools Anti-Bullying Policy
APEC is an institution that provides learning and training for students. It was
established to mold the innate capabilities and talents of students. It is a venue
where they develop their social skills and learn how to deal with others in an
acceptable and rightful manner. Because of this, the School recognizes that the
welfare of the students is its top priority.
Being an institution aware of the repercussions or effects of bullying, the APEC
has a policy of prohibiting bullying with the objective of preventing all instances
of bullying.
Definition of Terms
“Bullying“ shall refer to any severe or repeated use by one or more students of
a written, verbal, or electronic expression, or a physical act or gesture, or any
combination thereof, directed at another student that has the effect of actually
causing or placing the latter in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm or
damage to his property; creating a hostile environment at school for the other
student; infringing on the rights of the other student at school; or materially
and substantially disrupting the education process or the orderly operation of
the school. (Based on Anti-Bullying Act of 2013)
I. Types of Bullying
● Any unwanted physical contact between the bully and the victim like
punching, pushing, shoving, kicking, slapping, tickling, headlocks,
inflicting school pranks, teasing, fighting, and the use of available
objects as weapons;
● Any act that causes damage to a victim’s psyche and/or emotional
well-being;
● Any slanderous statement or accusation that causes the victim undue
emotional distress like directing foul language or profanity at the
target, name-calling, tormenting, and commenting negatively on
victim’s looks, clothes, and body;
● Cyber-bullying or any bullying done through electronic means or other
technology, such as, but not limited to texting, email, instant
messaging, chatting, Internet, social networking websites, or other
platforms or formats;
● Threats to inflict a wrong upon the person, honor, or property of the
person or on his or her family;
● Stalking or constantly following or pursuing a person in his or her daily
activities, with unwanted and obsessive attention;
● Taking property;

81
 ● Public humiliation, or public malicious imputation of a crime or of a
vice or defect, whether real or imaginary, or any act, omission,
condition, status, or circumstance tending to cause dishonor, discredit,
or expose a person to contempt;
● Deliberate destruction or defacement of or damage to the child’s
property;
● Physical violence committed upon a student without the use of a
weapon. Such violence may be in the form of mauling, hitting,
punching, kicking, throwing things at the student, pinching, spanking,
or other similar acts;
● Demanding or requiring sexual or monetary favor or extracting money
or property, from a pupil or students; and
● Restraining the liberty and freedom of a pupil or student. (Based on
the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013).
II. Prohibited Acts
● Bullying on school grounds; property immediately adjacent to school
grounds; at school-sponsored or school-related activities; functions or
programs weather on or off school grounds; at school bus stops; on
school buses or other vehicle owned, leased, or used by the school; or
through the use of technology or an electronic device owned, leased,
or used by a school.
● Bullying at the location, activity, function, or program that is not
school-related and through the use of technology or an electronic
device that is not owned, leased, or used by the school if the act or
acts in question create a hostile environment at school for the victim,
infringe on the rights of the victim at school, or materially and
substantially disrupt the education process or the orderly operation of
a school.
● Retaliation against a person who reports bullying, who provides
information during an investigation of bullying, or who is witness to or
has reliable information about bullying.
● Making a false accusation of bullying.
III. Mechanisms to Address Bullying
The Principal or any person who holds a comparable role shall be responsible
for the implementation and oversight of policies intended to address bullying.
Any member of the school administration, student, parent, or volunteer shall
immediately report any instance of bullying or act of retaliation witnessed, or
that has come to one’s attention, to the school administration, or any school
officer or person so designated by the Principal to handle such issues, or both.
Upon receipt of such a report, the school administration or the designated
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school officer or person shall promptly investigate. If it is determined that
bullying or retaliation has occurred, the Operations Coordinator or the
designated school officer or person shall:
a. Notify the law enforcement agency if the Principal or designee believes
that criminal charges under the Revised Penal Code may be pursued
against a perpetrator.
b. Take appropriate disciplinary administrative action.
c. Notify the parents or guardians of the perpetrator.
d. Notify the parents or guardians of the victim regarding the action taken to
prevent any further acts of bullying or retaliation.
If the incident of bullying or retaliation involves students from more than one
school, the school first informed of the bullying or retaliation shall promptly
notify the appropriate administrator of the other school so that both may take
appropriate action. (Based from Sec.4 of Anti-Bullying Act of 2013)
IV. Procedures in Handling a Bullying Incident
The School handles bullying incidence with utmost concern to the victim and to
the student who committed bullying. A complaint for bullying or peer abuse
shall be acted upon by the Operations Coordinator in accordance with the
following procedure:
● Upon the filing of a complaint or upon notice of any bullying or peer
abuse incident, the parents or guardian of the victim and the offending
child shall be called and informed in a meeting called for that purpose.
Both the victim and the offending child shall be referred to the Child
Protection Committee for counseling and other interventions.
● If bullying is committed for a second or subsequent time, after the
offending child has received counseling or other interventions, the
penalty of suspension for not more than one (1) week may be imposed
by the Operations Coordinator in consultation with the Principal, if
such is warranted. During the period of suspension, the offending
child and the parents or guardians may be required to attend further
seminars and counseling. The school administration shall likewise
ensure that the appropriate interventions, counseling, and other
services are provided for the victim or victims of bullying.

In all cases where the imposable penalty on the offending child is suspension,
exclusion, or expulsion, the following requirements of due process shall be
complied with:
● The parents whose child committed the bullying will be called for a
conference by the teacher.
● The parent of the student must be informed in writing of the nature
and cause of any accusation against the student.
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 ● The student through his/her parents must be given sufficient time to
answer the charge against him/her with assistance of a counsel, if
needed.
● The student through his/her parents must be informed of the evidence
against him/her.
● The student and his/her parents must be given sufficient time to
adduce the evidence on his/her behalf.
● The evidence must be considered by the investigating committee or
official designated by the school authorities to hear and decide the
case.
● The recommendation of the investigating committee or official shall be
submitted to the Operations Coordinator and the Operations
Coordinator acts on the same.
● The parent may make an appeal within 72 hours after receipt of the
notice of decision on the charge.

In observance of the procedural due process, the School convenes a Grievance

Committee chaired by the individual designated by the Operations Coordinator
and composed of at least two other members as may be designated by the
Operations Coordinator.

V. Disciplinary Action
Under the provision stated in the Student Handbook, bullying is considered a
major offense.
A false accusation about bullying is considered a major offense, and if proven
with a preponderance of evidence, may merit the same sanction as bullying.
During the suspension period, the student should be assisted by a parent or
guardian in coping with the lessons.

VI. Referral and Counseling

Aside from imposing a disciplinary measure commensurate to the action of the
student, necessary counseling shall be accorded to the student/s since the
School’s purpose is not to convict the students but to assist him/her to realize
his/her misbehavior. The referral shall be coming from the School Head before
and after a student is subjected to disciplinary action. The parent can also be
invited to take part in the counseling process or session if necessary, depending
on the determination or discretion of the guidance counselor.
After the series of sessions, follow-ups shall still be done by the Guidance Office
to monitor the improvement that happens towards the behavior of the child.

84
Consistent communication and coordination by the guidance counselor with
the teacher/s and parent shall also be made to get feedback based on the result
of observation about the child’s behavior.
The victim shall also be referred to counseling so that the sense of safety may
be restored and his/her need for protection be assessed.
VII. People Involved
By involving students, parents, faculty and staff, and other sectors of the School
community, the School aims to implement preventive policies and guidelines to
eradicate bullying. An anti-bullying advisory group shall be created composed
of the Operations Coordinator with at least two (2) parent representatives to
disseminate this policy, brainstorm on anti-bullying activities and programs of
the School and to encourage participation.

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Annex D: Anti-Bullying Information Sheet
for Students: Is it Bullying?
It is bullying if you feel hurt because of things said about your background,
religious faith, gender, disability, special needs, appearance or issues in your
family. It is bullying if you feel hurt because individuals or groups are:
● calling you names,
● threatening you,
● pressuring to give someone money or possessions,
● hitting,
● damaging possession and reputation,
● spreading rumors about your family, or
● using text, email or digital media to write or say hurtful things
(cyberbullying).
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
Talk to someone you trust and get them to help you take the right steps to stop
the bullying. If you feel you are being bullied:
● Try to stay calm and look as confident as you can.
● Be firm and clear — look them in the eye and tell them to stop.
● Get away from the situation as quickly as possible.
● Tell an adult what has happened straight away or, if you do not feel
comfortable telling an adult, tell another pupil.
If you have been bullied:
● Tell a teacher or another adult.
● Tell your family.

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Annex E: Rules and Regulations on
Anti-Sexual Harassment
Rules and Regulations to Implement Republic Act No. 7877
(Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995) On Campus and in the Workplace

PART I GENERAL PROVISIONS

Rule I Preliminary Matters
Section 1 - Title
This shall be known as “APEC Schools Rules and Regulations to Implement
Republic Act No. 7877, the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995, on Campus and
in the Workplace”.
Section 2 - Meaning of Terms
Whenever used in this body of implementing rules and regulations, the terms
or words “Act”, “School”, and “Committee” shall respectively mean Republic Act
No. 7877, APEC Schools, and Committee on Decorum and Investigation.
Section 3 - Coverage
This set of Rules shall govern incidents of sexual harassment at APEC Schools
(the “School”).
Rule II Declaration of Policies
Section 4 - Basic State Policy
The State shall value the dignity of every individual, enhance the development
of its human resources, guarantee full respect for human rights, and uphold the
dignity of workers, employees, applicants for employment, students or those
undergoing training, instruction or education. Towards this end, all forms of
sexual harassment in the employment, education, or training environment are
hereby declared unlawful.
It is therefore the duty of the head of the educational or training environment
or institution, to prescribe the guidelines on proper decorum in the workplace
and educational or training institutions, prevent, or deter the commission of
acts of sexual harassment, and provide the procedures for the resolution,
settlement or prosecution of said acts.
Section 5 - School Policy
The mission of the School is to foster an open learning and working
environment. The ethical obligation to provide an environment that is free
from sexual harassment and from fear that it may occur is implicit. The entire
educational community suffers when sexual harassment is allowed to pervade
the academic and labor atmosphere. It is therefore the declared policy of the
87
School that sexual harassment is unacceptable behavior and a violation of the
law and shall not be tolerated or condoned.
Violations of this policy shall result in disciplinary action up to and including
termination from the service.
All members of the School’s educational community affected by a sexual
harassment incident shall be treated with respect and given full opportunity to
present their side of the incident.
PART II THE EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITY AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Rule I The Educational Community
Section 6 - The Educational Community Defined
The School’s educational community consists of those persons or groups of
persons as such, or associated in institutions, involved in organized teaching
and learning systems. They are individuals and groups directly involved in the
attainment of the school’s goals and objectives, and are therefore bound by
shared purposes. The inter-relationships of the members or constituent
elements of the educational community are characterized by their respective
rights and obligations.
Section 7 - Members of Constituent Elements
The members or elements of the educational community are as follows:
a. “Parents” – means the father and/or mother or guardian or head of the
institution or foster home which has custody of the student.
b. “Students” refers to persons who regularly attend classes at the basic
level of education.
c. “School Personnel” - refers to all persons working for the School, and
includes the following:
(1) “Teaching or Academic Staff” – refers to all the School’s personnel
who are formally engaged in actual teaching service and/or in
research assignments, either on full-time or part-time basis;
(2) “School Administrators” – refers to the head or the chief operating
officer of the School; or in general, those who are duly appointed to
and occupying a position of responsibility involved in both
policy-formulation and implementation in the School;
(3) “Academic Non-Teaching Personnel” – means any person or
employee of the School possessing certain prescribed academic
functions directly supportive of teaching such as registrar, librarian,
and guidance officer;
(4) “Non-Teaching Personnel” – refers to all other employees of the
School who do not fall under the definition and coverage of teaching
and academic staff, school administrators, and academic
non-teaching personnel.
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Rule II Definition, Characterization, and Classification of Sexual Harassment
Section 8 - Work, Education, or Training-Related Sexual Harassment Defined
Work, education, or training-related sexual harassment is committed by an
employer, employee, manager, supervisor, agent of the employer, teacher,
instructor, professor, coach, trainer, or any other person who, having authority,
influence or moral ascendancy over another in a work or training or education
environment, demands, requests, or otherwise requires any sexual favor from
the other, regardless of whether the demand, request, or requirement for
submission is accepted or not by the object of said act.
a. In a work-related or employment environment, sexual harassment is
committed when:
(1) The sexual favor is made as a condition in the hiring or in the
employment, re-employment or continued employment of said
individual, or in granting said individual favorable compensation,
terms, conditions, promotions, or privileges, or the refusal to grant
the sexual favor result in limiting, segregating, or classifying the
employee which is any way discriminate, deprive, or diminish
employment opportunities or otherwise adversely affect said
employee;
(2) The above acts would impair the employee’s rights or privileges
under existing labor laws; or
(3) The above acts would result in an intimidating, hostile, or offensive
environment for the employee.
b. In an education or training-environment, sexual harassment is committed:
(1) Against one who is under the care, custody, or supervision of the
offender;
(2) Against one whose education, training, apprenticeship, or tutorship is
entrusted to the offender;
(3) When the sexual favor is made a condition to the giving of a passing
grade, or the granting of honors and scholarships, or the payment of
a stipend, allowance, or other benefits, privileges, or considerations;
or
(4) When the sexual advances result in an intimidating, hostile, or
offensive environment for the student, trainee, or apprentice.
Sexual harassment can be verbal, visual, or physical. It can be overt, as in the
suggestion that a person could get a higher grade or a raise by submission to
sexual advances.
The suggestion or advance need not be direct or explicit. It can be implied from
the conduct, circumstances, and relationship of the individuals involved.

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Section 9 - Dual Role of the School
The School shall, under these Rules, be considered as both place of study and
place of work.
Section 10 - Major Characteristics of Sexual Harassment
The major characteristics of sexual harassment are:
a. The behavior is unwanted or unwelcome.
b. The behavior is sexual or related to the sex or gender of the person.
c. The behavior occurs in the context of a relationship where one person has
more formal or informal power than the other.
Section 11 - Forms of Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment can be classified as follows:
a. “Quid pro quo” sexual harassment
This occurs when submission to or rejection of unwelcome sexual advances
is used as the basis for employment decisions, giving of passing grades,
granting of honors and scholarships, or the payment of a stipend,
allowance or other benefits, privileges, or considerations.
b. “Hostile or offensive” sexual harassment
This occurs when unwelcome sexual conduct unreasonably interferes with
an individual’s job performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or
offensive working environment, even in the absence of tangible or
economic job consequences.
c. “Sexual favoritism”
This form of sexual harassment occurs where quid pro quo harassment is
involved or where there is widespread favoritism.
Section 12 - Specific Instances of Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment can consist of the following:
a. Persistent, unwanted attempts to change a professional or educational
relationship to a personal one.
b. Unwelcome sexual flirtations and inappropriate put-downs of individual
persons or classes of people. Examples include, but are not limited to the
following:
(1) Unwelcome sexual advances;
(2) Repeated sexual-oriented kidding, teasing, joking, or flirting; verbal
abuse of a sexual nature;
(3) Graphic commentary about an individual’s body, sexual prowess, or
sexual deficiencies;
(4) Derogatory or demeaning comments about women in general,
whether sexual or not; leering, whistling, touching, pinching, or
brushing against another’s body;
(5) Offensive crude language; and
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 (6) Displaying objects or pictures which are sexual in nature that would
create hostile or offensive work or living environments.
Sexual harassment can also consist of serious physical abuses such as sexual
assault and rape.
Rule III Classification of Offenses and Liability of Other Persons
Section 13 - Classification of Sexual Harassment Offenses
Sexual harassment offenses shall be classified as grave, less grave, and light.

Section 14 - Other Persons Liable

Any person who directs or induces another to commit any act of sexual
harassment as herein defined, or who cooperates in the commission thereof by
another without which it would not have been committed, shall also be held
liable under these Rules.

PART III
DECORUM AND INVESTIGATION
Rule I Committee on Decorum and Investigation
Section 15 - Establishment of Committee on Decorum and Investigation
The Committee shall:
a. conduct meetings with the other members of the educational community
to increase awareness of and prevent incidents of sexual harassment; and
b. conduct the investigation of alleged cases of sexual harassment.
Section 16 - Composition of the Committee on Decorum and Investigation
Considering the dual role of the School, the Committee on Decorum and
Investigation shall be composed of one representative each from the following:
a. school management
b. supervisory rank
c. faculty
d. rank-and-file non-teaching personnel
e. students

Section 17 - Commission of Sexual Harassment off Campus or Outside the

Workplace
The School and the Committee shall take cognizance of sexual harassment
cases committed by any member of its educational community off-campus or
outside the workplace and beyond classroom or working hours in any of the
following cases:
a. The violation of these Rules occurred during an official school activity or
affair outside the campus or workplace; or

91
b. The violation involves the status of the erring member of the educational
community or affects the good name or reputation of the School.
Section 18 - Romantic Relationships
Romantic relationships between superior and subordinates, faculty and
students, faculty and teacher assistants, teacher assistants and undergraduates,
faculty and support staff are not allowed. .
Rule II Complaint and Reporting System
Section 19 - School’s Complaint and Reporting System
A complaint or reporting system is hereby installed whereby victims are
encouraged to come forward with a report or complaint of incidents of sexual
harassment and allows first for informal resolution and, if the process fails, for
formal resolution.
Section 20 - Who May File
Any student or employee of the School may report or file a complaint of sexual
harassment.
Section 21 - Form and Contents of Report or Complaint
The report or complaint must be in writing and must contain the following
information:
a. The name(s) and address(es) of the complainant(s);
b. The name(s) and address(es) of the respondent(s);
c. The substance, cause/grounds of complaint;
d. When and where the action complained of happened; and
e. The name(s) of any witness thereto.
All pertinent papers or documents in support of the complaint must be
attached whenever possible.
Section 22 - Where to File
Regardless of whether the complainant is a student or an employee, the report
or complaint shall be filed with the Committee on Decorum and Investigation.
Section 23 - When Complaint Fails to Satisfy Requirement of Specificity
Should the report or complaint fail to satisfy the requirement of specificity, the
Committee shall require the complainant to specify within 72 hours upon
receipt of notice thereof the acts complained of as constituting sexual
harassment, otherwise the complaint shall be dismissed.
Section 24 - When Complaint is Without Merit
Should the report or complaint be baseless, unsubstantial or without merit, the
Committee shall dismiss the same.
Section 25 - When Case is Maliciously Prosecuted
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Should the case be found to be maliciously prosecuted, the Committee shall
refer the same to the department head concerned for appropriate action.
Section 26 - When Complaint is Withdrawn
Should the report or complaint be withdrawn at any stage of the proceedings,
the Committee shall continue with the investigation and impose the
appropriate sanction thereof.
Rule III Preventive Suspension
Section 27 - Preventive Suspension of Accused
Any member of the educational community may be placed immediately under
preventive suspension during the pendency of the hearing of the charges of
grave sexual harassment against him/her if the evidence of his/her guilt is
strong and the School Head is morally convinced that the continued stay of the
accused during the period of investigation constitutes a distraction to the
normal operations of the School or poses a risk or danger to the life of the
accused himself/herself or the life and property of the other members of the
educational community.
The term “pose a danger to life and property” means that the employee need
not literally pose a danger to life or property, it is enough that his/her
continued presence will cause a meaningful or real disruption in the operation
of the School.
It shall not be necessary for the School to first comply with the basics of due
process for it to impose preventive suspension.
Section 28 - Period of Preventive Suspension
No preventive suspension shall last longer than 30 days. The School shall
thereafter reinstate the employee to his/her former position or to a
substantially equivalent position or the School may extend the period of
suspension: Provided that during the period of extension, the employee is paid
the salaries/wages and other benefits due him/her. In such a case, the
employee shall not be bound to reimburse the amount paid to him/her during
the extension if the School decides, after completion of the hearing, to dismiss
the employee. Should there be a delay in the disposition of the case due to the
fault or negligence of the respondent employee, the period of the delay shall
not be counted in computing the period of preventive suspension.
Rule IV Due Process
Section 29 - Due Process and Confidentiality
No sanction shall be applied upon any erring member of the educational
community except for cause and after due process shall have been observed.

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In sexual harassment cases, the alleged harasser must likewise be afforded as
much confidentiality during the process.
Section 30 - Procedural Due Process Standards
In all sexual harassment cases, the alleged harasser shall be afforded the
essential requirements of notice and hearing.
Where the sexual harassment case warrants the imposition of prolonged
suspension or dismissal, the following procedure shall be observed:
a. Notice of Charge/s
The Committee shall furnish respondent a written notice stating the acts
constituting sexual harassment, with an advice whether he/she elects to
have a formal investigation of the charge/s against him/her.
b. Answer and Hearing
A respondent may answer the allegations stated against him/her in the
notice of charge/s within a reasonable period from receipt of such notice.
The Committee shall afford the worker ample opportunity to be heard and
to defend himself/herself with the assistance of a representative, if he/she
so desires.
c. Decision
The Committee shall immediately notify respondent in writing of its
decision, clearly stating the reasons thereof.
Section 31 - Written Records and Privacy of the Parties
Written records of cases of sexual harassment must be kept, but precautions
should be taken to protect the privacy of all the parties involved.
Rule V Evaluation of Sexual Harassment Case
Section 32 - Evaluation
In evaluating a report or complaint of sexual harassment, an attempt should be
made to focus on the perspective of a person situated similarly to the accuser.
The Committee should attempt to maintain confidentiality. However, a
complainant should be told that complete anonymity may give way to the
school’s obligation to investigate and take appropriate action. Because it is
important that every effort be made to keep the incident confidential,
discretion should be exercised in determining which witnesses are indeed
necessary to the investigation.
Section 33 - Reasonable Man/Woman Standard
Since the perception of men and women may differ as to what constitutes
harmless fun and what constitutes offensive conduct, the Committee shall
adopt a “reasonable man/woman” rather than a “reasonable person” standard
to determine whether conduct is unwelcome and sufficiently pervasive to
amount to sexual harassment. Under this standard, the proper focus is on the
94
victim’s perspective of the given conduct and thus, in the typical case, a sexual
harassment claim is proven if a reasonable man or woman would consider the
harassment hostile or offensive.
Rule VI Sanctions
Section 34 - Sanctions Based on Classification of Offenses
The penalty of dismissal shall attach to grave sexual harassment cases.
The penalty of prolonged suspension shall attach to less grave sexual
harassment cases.
The penalty of reprimand and warning or brief suspension shall attach to light
sexual harassment cases.
The sanction of brief suspension shall be from one (1) working day to five (5)
working days. The sanction of prolonged suspension shall be six (6) working
days or more.
Section 35 - Sanctions Not a Bar to Court Action
Administrative sanctions shall not be a bar to prosecution in the proper courts
for unlawful acts of sexual harassment.

PART IV MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Rule I Independent Action for Damages and Prescription
Section 36 - Independent Action for Damages
Nothing in the Act or in these Rules shall preclude the victim of work,
education, or training-related sexual harassment from instituting a separate and
independent action for damages and other affirmative relief.
Section 37 - Prescriptive Period
Any action arising from the violation of the provisions of the Act and these
Rules shall be prescribed in three (3) years.
Rule II Administrative Provisions
Section 38 - Separability Clause
If any part or provision of the Act or these Rules is held invalid or
unconstitutional, it shall not thereby affect the effectivity and implementation
of its remaining parts or provisions.
Section 39 - Integration Clause
These Rules shall form an integral part of the School’s:
• Administrative Manual
• Manual for Faculty
• Manual for Non-Teaching Personnel
• Student Handbook

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Section 40 - Repealing Clause
All rules and regulations, orders, and policies of the school which are
inconsistent with any provision of the Act or these Rules are hereby deemed
repealed or modified.
Section 41 - Effectivity Clause
These Rules Implementing Republic Act No. 7877 at the School shall take effect
immediately upon its approval by the Board of Directors.

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Annex F: Behavior Management System
APEC Schools' Behavior Management System provides opportunities to develop
its students into well-disciplined young adults, and to “live and breathe” the
Mindset, Character, and Habits (MCH). It also creates a safe and positive school
environment, instills respect, justice and fairness, and to protect the School’s
name and reputation.
The disciplinary policies, procedures, and sanctions are created to ensure
rationality and order in the school community wherein:
1. Students have rights that should be exercised responsibly (e.g. rights
to freedom of expression and inquiry, privacy and confidential records,
due process, etc).
2. Students are compelled to be aware of the consequences for
misbehavior and to develop self-management skills and the value of
self-mastery.
3. Each occasion of misbehavior becomes an occasion for atonement,
reflection, and amendment.

A. Procedures
All student discipline related matters fall under the purview of the Prefect of
Discipline, with the Operations Coordinator of the branch who is responsible for
the supervision and application of due process, with due diligence, in all
behavior management processes, as stipulated in this Handbook.

The identity of the individuals involved, the outcome of any discipline

proceedings for any violation committed or alleged to have been committed by
a student, as well as the records and documents related to those processes, are
all totally confidential. Except as permitted by law, such information may not be
copied, distributed, transmitted, or processed in any way, nor may it be
maintained in any kind of filing system. Refusal to comply could result in
disciplinary action.

B. Levels of Misbehavior
Level 1 – The offense is a simple violation of the school rules or core values. It
may disrupt classroom learning and correcting it will be likewise simple and
straightforward. On occasions the offense may even be accidental although the
student still holds responsibility for the action. This offense usually:
1. is NOT planned or intentional;; and
2. does NOT result in any significant damage.

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The following are examples of offenses classified as Level 1:
● Disregard of guidelines governing the use of mobile phones and
personal devices
● Disregard of guidelines governing school uniform, dress code and
personal appearance
● Isolated instances of tardiness
● Littering
● Loitering
● Spitting or other unhygienic behavior
● Teasing, insulting, name-calling, put-downs that are playful in nature
and do not seriously offend

Level 2 – The offense is also a simple violation of the school rules and values.
Though in comparison to Level 1 violations, the student is more aware of the
consequences of his or her actions, may or may not have involved a degree of
planning and resulted in a greater damage in comparison to a similar Level 1
violation. Usually a serious mischief and inappropriate in the school setting,
this offense:
1. may have an unintended effect; but
2. does not usually severely offend anyone; and
3. does not usually result in any significant damage.

The following are examples of offenses classified as Level 2:

● Absenteeism or Truancy
● Inciting or encouraging small-scale misbehavior in others
● Offensive vulgar language and gestures
● Refusal to obey legitimate and reasonable staff directives
● Repeated neglect of rules governing safety, order, and cleanliness
● Unauthorized use or tampering of school property (e.g., fire
extinguisher, computer, toilets)
● Verbal abuse (e.g. berating, gaslighting)
● Unintended but not grossly negligent behavior that leads to damage of
property

Level 3 – The offense is highly disruptive, caused serious damage and may have
malicious intent (e.g., planned attack on another student). While an offense
may have not been fully carried out, the act of planning the serious violation
and potential for seriously endangering members of the community may
warrant its classification as a Level 3 violation. On occasions there may be a
history of similar or related misbehavior. Especially grave are offensive acts
done in public and while wearing the school uniform.

98
Finally, chronic Level 1 or Level 2 misbehavior may be escalated to Level 3. This
offense:
1. disrupts peace, order, and the learning environment,
2. is destructive, oftentimes resulting in major physical damages, grave
harm to the institution or persons, including psychological trauma, was
planned in malicious disregard of school rules and regulations, or may
have compromised a person’s integrity, good name, and status within
the community.

The following are examples of offenses classified as Level 3:

● Cheating and plagiarism
● Conspiracy to commit grievous violations
● Cutting Class (leaving class or campus without permission)
● Abusive language and discriminatory slurs
● Extortion, coercion, and blackmail
● Falsification of documents, fraud and misrepresentation
● False and misleading information potentially leading to grave harm
● Gross negligence or reckless behavior leading to or the deliberate
damage of school property or property of others
● Indecent exposure
● Membership or affiliation in gangs or engaging in gang activity
● Obsessive relational intrusion or relational intrusion resulting in severe
emotional distress
● Physical altercation, mutual combat
● Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages
● Possession and use of tobacco and vaping products
● Possession or use of deadly weapons, or use of objects as weapons
● Possession or spread of pornographic materials
● Promotion of messages and practices that grossly endanger the
physical and emotional well-being of members of the school
community, provocation of violence
● Possession or use of pyrotechnic devices
● Physical and sexual display of affection and intimacy
● Repeated or significant bullying behavior
● Retaliation against another student or any school employee or
volunteer on or off school property
● Revelation of privileged information
● Sending and spreading of obscene or hate messages and images
● Theft or obtaining property by deception
● Verbal or written threats against that safety of persons and integrity of
property

99
 ● Violation of school intellectual property; e.g., improper use of the
APEC brand name, logo, educational materials, etc.

LEVEL 4 - The offense involves illegal activities (e.g., consuming illegal drugs).
The offense is an intentional commitment of a crime which is punishable by law
and which results in the endangerment or loss of life or serious physical or
material damage.

The following are offenses classified as Level 4:

Criminal act/s as provided for in the Philippine Constitution and in special laws
such as those in the:
● Anti-Hazing Law
● Anti-Bullying Act of 2013
● Anti-Sexual Harassment Law
● Safe Space Act
● Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002

C. Basis for School Action and Sanctions

The following factors are weighed when determining the appropriate sanction
for a situation. Those are
● the nature of, severity of, and circumstances surrounding the
violation,
● the student's admission and acceptance of responsibility;
● conduct history of the student or group of students;
● the impact of a sanction on a student;
● previous cases involving similar conduct; and
● any other information deemed relevant by the Discipline
Committee or the Prefect of Discipline.

Minor offenses listed in Levels 1 and 2 Misbehavior are addressed through

processes by the Learning Facilitator, in consultation with the Academic
Coordinator. Below is a listing of possible disciplinary sanctions and restorative
acts as consequences:
a. written/personal verbal apology
b. written and/or output-based reflection
c. restitution i.e., payment, replacement, or repair of item
d. mandatory community service (only if applicable and should be related
to the offense)
e. temporary suspension of privileges and access related to the offense
For major offenses listed in Levels 3 and 4 Misbehavior are addressed through
processes facilitated by the Operations Coordinator, in consultation with the
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Principal, and ratified by the Prefect of Discipline. These major offenses shall
warrant one or a combination of the following disciplinary sanctions and
restorative acts as consequences:
f. any of those listed for minor offenses
g. permanent loss of privileges, membership and access related to the
nature of the offense
h. disciplinary probation in the form of social contract
i. restriction against participation in school activities / further contact
with aggrieved parties
j. suspension/exclusion from on-site and/or online classes or transfer to
a different learning modality
k. ban from entering areas in the school (e.g. library, TLE room)
l. disqualification from receiving Certificate of Good Moral Character
m. suspension/deferment of graduation
n. non-readmission for next academic year
o. dismissal/expulsion

Acts by School
1. conduct interview and investigation of misbehavior
2. email formal written notice to parents
3. log the offense in the Classroom Management Record (CMR)
4. log the offense in the Student Behavior Record for Levels 2-4 offenses
(SBR)
5. hold a parent-teacher conference (PTC)
6. confiscate items instrumental to the misbehavior (e.g. tech devices,
vape, cigarettes, pornographic materials) to be redeemed by parents
or guardian
7. conduct bag search or person search
8. hold a Student Discipline Committee meeting
9. send referral to the Prefect of Discipline for ratification
10. facilitate a meet-up between/among parents of involved students
11. send school decision

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 Disciplinary Sanction Guide
Student Obligations and Sanctions

LEVELS 1 AND 2 Acts by School a b c d e

MISBEHAVIOR

Disregard of guidelines
governing the use of
1. conduct investigation
2. log the offense in CMR
✅ ✅ ✅
mobile phones and 3. send notice to parents
personal devices 4. confiscate the device

Disregard of guidelines
governing school uniform,
1. log the offense in CMR
2. send notice to parents
✅
dress code and personal
appearance

Isolated instances of
tardiness
1. log the offense in CMR
2. send notice to parents
✅ ✅
3. Hold a PTC

Littering 1. log the offense in CMR ✅ ✅ ✅

✅ ✅
2. send notice to parents
Loitering

Unhygienic behavior ✅ ✅
Teasing, name-calling… 1. conduct investigation ✅ ✅
✅ ✅
2. log the offense in SBR
Absenteeism/Truancy 3. send notice to parents

✅ ✅
4. Hold a PTC
Inciting small-scale
misbehavior in others

Vulgar language and

gesture
✅ ✅ ✅
Refusal to obey legitimate
and reasonable staff
✅ ✅ ✅
directives

Repeated neglect of rules

governing safety, order,
✅ ✅ ✅
and cleanliness
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 Unauthorized use or
tampering of school
✅ ✅ ✅ ✅
property

Verbal abuse ✅ ✅ ✅
Unintended but not
grossly negligent behavior
✅ ✅ ✅ ✅
that leads to damage of
property

Student Obligations and Sanctions

Acts by School f g h i j k l m* n o
LEVELS 3 AND 4
MISBEHAVIOR

Conspiracy to
commit grievous
1. conduct
investigation
✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅
violations 2. hold a SDC

✅ ✅ ✅
meeting
Cutting Class 3. hold a PTC
(leaving class or 4. send
campus without referral to
permission) POD

✅ ✅ ✅ ✅
5. send school
Abusive decision
language and
discriminatory
slurs

Extortion,
coercion, and
✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅
blackmail

Falsification of
documents,
✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅
fraud and
misrepresen-
tation

False and ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅
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misleading
information
potentially
leading to grave
harm

Deliberate
damage to
✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅
school property

Membership or
affiliation in
✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅
gangs

Obsessive
relational
✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅
intrusion or
relational
intrusion

Physical
altercation,
✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅
mutual combat

Possession or
consumption of
1. conduct
investigation
✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅
alcoholic 2. confiscate
beverages 3. hold a SDC

✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅
meeting
Possession and 4. hold a PTC
use of tobacco 5. send
and vaping referral to
products POD

✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅
6. send school
Possession or decision
use of deadly
weapons

Possession or
spread of
✅ ✅ ✅ ✅
pornographic
materials

Possession or
use of
✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅
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pyrotechnic
devices

Promotion of
messages and
1. conduct
investigation
✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅
practices that 2. hold a SDC
grossly meeting
endanger the 3. facilitate a
physical and meet up
emotional between/
well-being of among
members of the parents of
school students
community, involved
provocation of 4. send
violence referral to

✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅
POD
Physical and 5. send school
sexual display of decision
affection and
intimacy

Repeated or
significant
✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅
bullying
behavior

Retaliation
against another
✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅
student or any
school
employee or
volunteer on/
off school
property

Verbal or
written threats
✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅
against that
safety of
persons and
integrity of
property

105
Sending and
spreading of
1. conduct
investigation
✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅
obscene or hate 2. hold a SDC
messages and meeting
images 3. hold a PTC

✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅
4. send
Theft or referral to
obtaining POD
property by 5. send school
deception decision

Revelation of
privileged
✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅
information

Violation of
school
✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅
intellectual
property

Cheating or 1. Cheating in Open Assessments: First time offenders will be

plagiarism given a written warning. Repetition of this misbehavior will
result in giving the student zero score in Open Assessment.
2. Students who committed cheating or plagiarism in IPBA will
be given a score of zero.

Offense/s
against a
1. conduct
investigation
✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅
criminal law 2. hold a SDC
such as: meeting
3. facilitate a
1. Anti-Hazing meet up
Law between/
2. Anti Bullying among
Act of 2013 parents of
3. Anti-Sexual students
Harassment Law involved
4. Safe Space 4. send
Act referral to
5.Dangerous POD
Drugs Act of 5. send school
2002 decision

*Deferment of moving up/graduation as sanction is only applicable to Grades 10

and 12 students.

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Miscellaneous Notes
a) Policy on Escalation – A four to one ratio is generally applied when
escalating chronic and repeated Level 1 and Level 2 violations . When a
Level 1 violation is repeated four times, it is escalated to the first instance
of a Level 2 violation and so on. However, the repetition of certain Level 2
offenses may already be raised to Level 3 on its second instance since the
misbehavior already has a history thus increasing the gravity of the offense
and offender’s culpability. This also applies to repeated Level 3 offenses.
b) Students may appeal for reconsideration of the verdict/sanctions to the
Operations Coordinator within 7 working days after receiving the decision,
provided that they can present new evidence. If taken into consideration,
the decision will materially be affected or lifted.
c) A student who will not finish serving the disciplinary sanctions shall not be
cleared for enrollment, transfer or moving up/graduation.
d) Generally, a student can only be referred for Guidance and Counseling only
upon the resolution of his/her Behavioral Management cases.

D. Bag Search Policies and Procedures

1. What can be searched for?
a. cigarettes, vaping instruments, and alcoholic beverages
b. knives and other deadly weapons
c. illegal drugs and related paraphernalia
d. stolen items
e. pornographic materials
f. any article that the school staff reasonably suspects has been, or is
likely to be used to commit an offense, cause personal injury to,
damage personal or school property, or disrupt the proceedings of a
healthy school community.
2. Under what circumstances can the School conduct a bag search?
If the teacher or the school administration has reasonable grounds to
suspect a student possesses a prohibited item or article that can
compromise the safety of the students and school personnel. Irrespective
of any action taken or not taken by external agencies such as the Police,
the School may take its own action, such as suspending the student, in the
first instance, if they refuse permission for the search to take place. A
student’s possessions defined as ‘any goods over which the pupil has or
appears to have control’ – this will include desks, bags, and other
containers.

107
3. Who conducts the bag search?
Normally, the presence of at least two authorized school staff – Principal,
Operations Coordinator, Academic Coordinator, Learning Facilitator,
security and/or service personnel – is required to conduct a bag search.
4. How is the search conducted?
a. The teacher announces to the class that a bag search will be
conducted. The bag search should be conducted in the presence of
the owner. The search should be conducted with due respect to the
owner’s dignity. This may be done inside or outside the classroom
upon the discretion of the person in-charge.
b. Only the bag’s owner can touch and search through his/her personal
belongings.
c. The student empties his/her bag by laying all content on the desk. The
student may be asked to turn the bag upside-down or inside-out to
ensure removal of all content. This applies to smaller bags, envelopes,
folders, or containers that are also subject to the search.
d. While the search is ongoing, all students are required to stay inside the
classroom as no one will be allowed to leave.
e. The school staff may confiscate any dangerous, prohibited, illegal or
banned item turned up during the search
f. In cases of theft, while it would not be reasonable or desirable to
involve the Police in dealing with low value items; e.g., pencil cases,
the School staff may judge it appropriate to contact the Police or
Barangay office if the items are valuable (MP3 players/laptops) or
illegal (deadly weapons/firecrackers).
g. The school staff documents the search including the following
information:
● reason(s) for the search
● time and date of the search
● location where search was conducted
● persons involved in the search
● results of the search, and
● decision(s) made in relation to items that were found.

E. Person Search Procedures

A search of the student’s person is normally conducted by a member of staff of
the same gender. This will only be done when there is a reasonable belief that
failure to conduct the search may result in serious and immediate harm to the
individual involved or to any member of the school community. The member of
the staff will bear in mind that a student’s expectation of privacy increases as

108
he or she gets older. Every effort will be made to contact the student’s parents
or guardian so that they are present during the person search.
The member of staff conducting the search may not require the pupil to
remove any clothing other than outer clothing which is defined as ‘clothes that
are not worn against the skin or immediately over a garment that is being worn
as underwear’.

F. Drug Test Requirements and Procedures

A drug test is normally required when there is reasonable suspicion of a student
exhibiting symptoms of being under the influence of illegal substances. This is
especially required for the follow up of a student under disciplinary probation
for the same or similar offense. The guidelines will be followed:
● The student should take the drug test in a clinic recommended or
accredited by APEC Schools. The School will endorse the student to the
clinic. The School will specify which tests should be administered by
the clinic.
● Given that the student is a minor, he/she should be accompanied by
his/her parent or guardian when taking the test.
● The results will be directly sent or forwarded to the School Head.
● The results will be treated with strict confidentiality.
● The drug test fee will be shouldered by the parents.
Any item or drug suspected to be a prohibited substance will be immediately
sent for testing to confirm its nature and validity as a piece of evidence.

109
Annex G: APEC Schools Technology Code of
Conduct
Acceptable Use Policy
Technology Code of Conduct
Internet access and Electronic devices are now available to students in APEC
Schools. We have worked hard to bring the access and these devices to our
schools. Our goal in providing this service to students is to promote educational
excellence in our schools by facilitating resource sharing, innovation and
communication.
The Internet is an electronic highway connecting millions of computers and
individual subscribers all over the world. Students have access to the following:
● information and news from educational sites
● public domain software and shareware of all types
● discussion groups on a variety of subjects
● electronic mail communication
APEC has taken precautions to restrict access to materials not related or
relevant to lessons and academic activities. It has taken steps to monitor and
record all sites visited by students in APEC-issued electronic devices. However,
on a global network, it is impossible to control all materials, and a resourceful
user may discover controversial material that is not school-related. We believe
that the value of information and usage of this technology far outweighs the
possibility that users may inappropriately access material not consistent with
the educational goals of APEC.
Acceptable Use
User access must be consistent with the educational objectives of APEC
Schools. Use of our network and other organizations' networks or computing
resources must comply with the rules appropriate for that network.
Transmission of any material in violation of any local or international law or
regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, copyrighted
material, threatening or pornographic material, or material protected by trade
secrets. Use for non-school related activities or for commercial, religious or
political promotion is also prohibited. System administrators will be monitoring
access to all system usage, including e-mail. Material relating to or in support of
illegal activities or unauthorized activities will be reported to the appropriate
authorities.
Privileges
The use of the Internet and school-owned Electronic devices is a privilege, not a
right, and inappropriate use may result in cancellation of those privileges and
110
other disciplinary actions. Prior to receiving access privileges, users will be
informed of the school’s Technology Code of Conduct - Acceptable Use Policy
(this document). There will be a committee composed of the following: Chief
Academic Officer, Director of Student Services, IT Manager, School
Administrators and Teaching Team; that will deem what is inappropriate use.
The system administrators may deny, revoke or suspend access privileges at any
time as required.
Electronic Device Handling
The electronic devices are shared between students so it is important that
these are used properly and handled with care so all can benefit from using the
devices. While we are in distance-based learning classes electronic devices
have been made available for rent for regular students or loans for scholars.
The same care and accountability will apply for these devices that will be used
by students from home while we are on distance-based learning mode.
All students are expected to abide by the following guidelines when handling
any and all APEC-issued electronic devices such as laptops, chrome books, and
tablets. These include (but are not limited to) the following:
● Use caution when plugging and unplugging the devices to power cords
in the Carts.
● Use clean hands when working on the devices.
● DO NOT force anything into the ports and slots on the side of the
devices.
● DO NOT put any liquid and food near the devices or eat while working
to avoid accidental spillage.
● DO NOT jerk, drop or slam shut the cover of the devices as the screens
are vulnerable to cracks.
● DO NOT carry your devices by the screen. Carry/hold the devices
properly and securely.
● DO NOT put the devices on the floor or on any unstable surface.
● DO NOT leave the devices unattended.
● DO NOT throw the devices or misuse them.
● Shut down the devices properly after use.
Network and Internet Usage Etiquette and Guidelines
All students and parents will be provided with their respective APEC email
addresses. Students should use their email addresses for school-related matters
only such as submission of school work, research and the like. Following is a list
of etiquette, guidelines and a list of specific behaviors that may lead to
disciplinary action under the APEC Code of Conduct, and/or suspension or
limitation of network access privileges. This is both applicable to both students
and parent emails issued by APEC Schools:
111
1. APEC’s local and wide area networks are intended only for educational
purposes and for the business and administrative functions directly in
support of APEC’s operation.
2. Network services, and access to these services, shall only be used by
authorized persons. Where password-protected accounts are used,
network users are personally responsible for all activity that occurs
within their account.
3. When interacting with other users on APEC-Wide Network or Internet,
users are expected to behave as they would in any other environment
where they represent their school. It is important that users conduct
themselves in a responsible, ethical, and polite manner in accordance
with the standards of propriety in APEC.
4. Using the APEC’s networks and the Internet for illegal, obscene,
harassing or inappropriate purposes, or in support of such activities, is
prohibited.
5. The APEC’s networks are shared resources and must be used in
moderation. From time to time, users may be asked to limit or
relinquish access to high priority processes.
6. Users are advised that computer systems are APEC’s property and may
be inspected or monitored at any time if misuse is suspected.
7. All above rules apply whether APEC network access is gained from in
or out of school settings.
8. Inappropriate use of network services includes, but is not limited to,
the following:
(a) Users must not use the APEC’s networks or computing equipment
to:
● Transmit any materials in violation of Philippine Laws
● Duplicate, store, or transmit pornographic materials
● Transmit or post threatening, abusive, obscene or harassing material
● Duplicate, store, or transmit copyrighted material that violates
copyright law
● Participate in pyramid schemes or chain mail harassment of other
users
(b) Users must not violate, or attempt to violate, the security of the
APEC’s computers, data or network equipment or services.
● Any attempts at unauthorized access of APEC data will result in
termination of the user’s computer and network privileges.
● Any attempt to vandalize APEC network accounts or systems will
result in termination of the user’s computer and network privileges.
Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy
data of another member, the APEC, or any of the agencies or other
112
 networks that are connected to the Internet. This includes, but is not
limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses.
● Use of another individual’s password-protected account is
prohibited.
● Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems
with other computer systems may be denied access to the APEC’s
networks and services.
(c) Users must not:
● Use abusive, vulgar, profane, obscene, harassing, or other
inappropriate language;
● Criticize the spelling, writing or keyboarding of others;
● Re-post personal electronic mail received to public forums (e.g.,
listservs, newsgroups) without the permission of the author.
(d) Users must not:
● Share password(s) with others;
● Distribute or use anyone else’s account name and password;
● Reveal anyone else’s personal address, phone number, or picture
without parental consent;
● Use network access for personal business purposes or anything else
not related to the individual’s position in APEC.
(e) Users must not:
● Use all lowercase or all uppercase letters in an email. Lowercase is
difficult to read, and uppercase feels as if you are SHOUTING.
● Use “IMPORTANT INFORMATION!!!” or “Please read” as subjects for
your email. These are commonly used for “junk e-mail” or viruses.
● Send blanket emails to a lot of schools at once. Do some research
and then ask specific questions, indicating your genuine interest.
● ‘Friend’ any APEC Schools personnel on social networking Web sites.
It is in your best interest to keep your communications professional
during your stay as a student in APEC Schools.
● Post inappropriate or offensive messages about any school or
university on any Website (e.g.: schoolwebsite.com).
Inappropriate use of Technology Devices and Network Services
● Users must not try to break the security of the APEC’s computers, data
or network equipment or services.
● Any attempt to vandalize these services and systems will result in a
loss of the student’s access to these services. Repeated offenses will
result in longer loss of access.

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 ● Vandalism is any attempt to harm or destroy other students’ work, to
access other students’ accounts or to damage any network service.
This includes uploading and creating computer viruses.
● Using other students’ accounts is forbidden.
● If you have misused computer systems outside of APEC, you may be
denied access to APEC systems.
● “Cyber Bullying” is when someone is tormented, threatened, harassed,
humiliated, embarrassed or otherwise targeted by someone else
through the internet, interactive digital technologies and/or mobile
phones. APEC takes this very seriously and will follow-up all incidents
which are suspected as being examples of “cyber bullying” with
parents, even if the Information Communication Technology (ICT)
system that is used is not provided by APEC.
Users may not:
● Criticize the spelling, writing or keyboarding of others.
● Play any form of non-educational game(s) on the APEC’s computers or
store games in their accounts.
● Share passwords with others.
● Pass on anyone else’s account name and password.
● Gain access to any parts of the APEC computer systems that they are
not permitted to access.
● Reveal any personal details without permission.
● Buy or sell goods via the computer: (e.g.: eBay, Gumtree, Facebook)
● Store MP3 music or video files in their accounts unless for a specific
educational use.
● Use proxy sites, VPNs or other such software or apps to avoid APEC
security and internet safeguards.
● Use social networking sites such as: (e.g.: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,
Snapchat, WhatsApp and others)
● Post rude, offensive, threatening or embarrassing text messages or
videos to any APEC site including any official social media sites/pages.
Disciplinary Action for Violation of Acceptable Use Policy
The guidelines on the preceding pages are not all inclusive, but only
representative and illustrative. Any user who commits an act of misconduct
which is not listed may also be subject to disciplinary action. Any student
caught with illegal software loaded on any device or caught attempting to load
software or devices will be required to pay the cost of hiring a technician to
remove the software from the device/s, and may face disciplinary and/or legal
proceedings. Any and all illegal activities shall be reported in accordance with
the disciplinary code.

114
 Staff intervention strategies such as teacher/student conferences and
teacher/parent contacts are to be made for violations of the acceptable use
policy. Any and all the following intervention strategies and disciplinary actions
may be used by administrators.
Minimum Actions:
Administrator/student conference or reprimand.
Additional Actions as Deemed Appropriate:
● Requirement to seek assistance in learning the proper procedure
before he/she is allowed to use computer equipment.
● Parent/Guardian contact.
● Undergo the Behavioral Management process.
● Confiscation of inappropriate items.
● Restitution/restoration.
● Denial of participation in class and/or school activities.
● Denial of access to the Internet for a specified period of time.
● Denial of access to computer equipment and other technology
resources.
● Suspension from school and/or other appropriate disciplinary action
Please note that intentional and/or willful damage caused to the laptop,
Chromebook, tablet and/or accessories is subject to restitution i.e. payment of
repair or replacement cost of the device. In the event that damage to the
device can NOT be attributed to a student or group of students, APEC may
charge the repair cost to the group of students involved. Note that the table
below gives an estimated repair cost only and all damages are still subject to
proper diagnosis and cost estimation by authorized service centers.
Note: All incidents and damages involving a student or group of students are
subject for investigation and evaluation for proper disciplinary action and device
repair/ damage costing.
ITEM ESTIMATED COST (PHP)
Operating System - Problem ₱ 3,000.00
Charging - Problem ₱ 5,000.00
Keyboard - Malfunction ₱ 3,500.00
LCD Screen - Broken ₱ 6,500.00

115
Annex H. Data Protection
PRIVACY POLICY AND TERMS OF AGREEMENT
APEC Schools, Inc., (“APEC Schools”) aims to comply with the Data Protection
Act of 2012. We respect your child’s right to privacy and confidentiality of
his/her personal information.
Our Privacy Policy (the “Policy”) covers the following:
1. Personal Information we collect
2. Purpose and Use of the student’s information
3. Parties we disclose the information we collect
4. Protection measures we employ
5. Student rights with respect to his personal information

Our Terms of Agreement (the “Terms”) constitutes our contract with your child.
Please review the Terms carefully before you sign. By signing, you acknowledge
that you have read the Policy and the Terms, and agree to be bound by and
comply with them.
Other policies of APEC Schools, which are not inconsistent with the Policy and
the Terms, will remain applicable. If any provision of the Policy or the Terms is
found to be unenforceable or invalid by any court having competent
jurisdiction, the invalidity of such provision shall not affect the validity of the
other provisions, which shall remain in full force and effect.
For purposes of this statement, the Policy and the Terms, “data” and
“information” are used interchangeably. “Personal data” or “personal
information” refers to any information that identifies who your child is, or may
lead to his/her identification, including sensitive information about his/her
health, education, age, race, and similar matters as well as privileged
information as defined by the Rules of Court and other applicable laws.

PRIVACY POLICY
Affordable Private Education Center, Inc. (APEC Schools, Inc.) is committed to
the security and protection of your personal information. As such, we operate
our schools in compliance with applicable laws and regulations on data
protection and data security. In doing so, we will ensure compliance by our
staff with the strictest standards of security and confidentiality.

116
APEC Privacy Notice
Personal Information
Personal information refers to all information relating to an identified or
identifiable individual (natural person) including name, contact, details,
address, email address, gender, age, date of birth, educational history, family
members, and any information which is collected, recorded, held or stored by
APEC Schools Inc.
Purpose and Use
APEC Schools Inc. shall only collect your personal information in connection
with the operation of our school as a legitimate education institution and only
when you have voluntarily provided such data to us (e.g. registration, contact
inquiries, etc.). We are entitled to process or use such data by virtue of
permission granted by you or on the basis of a statutory provision.
In general, we use such data only for the purpose for which you divulged the
data to us, such as but not limited to:
1. for the purpose of registration/evaluation for admission or enrolment
with APEC Schools Inc. in any of its school branches/sites;
2. to enable APEC Schools Inc. to carry out or perform any services or
functions such as:
a) Processing scholarship applications, grants and other forms of
assistance
b) Recording and Maintaining student records including grades and
other academic and non-academic activities
c) Establishing and maintaining our School Management System
(SMS)
d) Sharing of grades between & among teaching team members, &
others with legitimate officials’ need, for academic deliberations
e) Investigating student behavior incidents & implementing
disciplinary measures
f) Providing services such as health, guidance counseling, information
technology, library, sports/recreation, safety and security
g) Maintaining directories and alumni records
h) Sharing marketing and promotional materials regarding
school-related functions, events, projects and activities;
i) Sharing student information with persons or institutions as
provided below.
3. for APEC Schools to communicate with you or contact you for all
purposes set out above.

117
During the period that a student stays with APEC Schools, we gather
information on his/her academic or curricular activities, the classes he/she
enrolls in, scholastic performance, attendance record, medical record, etc. We
will also collect information for and in relation to co-curricular matters, such as
community-based activities, study tour; as well as extracurricular activities,
such as membership in student organizations, leadership positions and
participation and attendance in seminars, competitions and programs. We will
also collect information related to any disciplinary incident, including
accompanying sanctions that your child may be involved in.
There will be various occasions when we will acquire other forms of data (e.g.,
pictures or videos of activities he/she participates in, recordings from
closed-circuit television cameras installed in the APEC Schools premises for
security purposes, etc.) or generate statistical information (e.g., institutional
ranking; performance in admissions exams, aptitude tests, etc.).
Furthermore, there may be cases when personal information is sent to or
received by us even without our prior request. In such cases, we will determine
if we can legitimately keep such information. If it is not related to any of our
legitimate educational interests, we will immediately dispose of the information
in a way that will safeguard the student’s privacy. If it is related to our
legitimate educational interests, it will be treated in the same manner as
information you provide us.
Disclosure of Personal Data
Your personal data possessed by APEC Schools, Inc. shall be kept confidential.
However, it may be necessary for APEC to disclose and transfer your personal
data to government agencies as mandated by law or a court order. Some
examples of when we may share or disclose the student’s personal information
to the government include:
● Encoding of student information in the Learners Information System as
ordered by the Department of Education
● Manual Reports and forms required the different Division Office (DO) of
the Department of Education
● Billing for voucher beneficiaries from PEAC (Private Education Assistance
Committee) and its Voucher Management System (VMS)
● Reporting and/or disclosing information to the National Privacy
Commission
● In compliance with court orders, subpoenas and/or other legal
obligations.

In addition, APEC Schools may disclose the students’ personal information in

the circumstances (but not limited to) given below:
118
 1) Posting of class lists and class schedules in school bulletin boards or
other places within the APEC site
2) Sharing of information to persons, including parents, guardians or next of
kin, as required by law or on a need-to-know basis as determined by the
school to promote your child’s best interests, or protect his/her health,
safety and security, or that of others;
3) Providing other academic institutions, companies, private or public
corporations, or the like, upon their request, with scholastic ranking
information or certification of good moral character for purposes of
admission
4) Sharing information to potential donors, funders or benefactors for
purposes of scholarship, grants and other forms of assistance;
5) Distributing the list of graduates and awardees during commencement
exercises;
6) Sharing information for accreditation such as PEAC
7) Sharing student’s directory information to the schools’ alumni
association;
8) Publishing academic, co-curricular and extra-curricular achievements and
success, including names of awardees in school bulletin boards, website,
social media sites and publications;
9) Sharing student’s academic accomplishments or honors and co-curricular
or extracurricular achievements with schools he/she graduated from or
was previously enrolled in, upon their request;
10) Marketing or advertising to promote the school, including its activities
and events, through photos, videos, brochures, website posting,
newspaper advertisements, physical and electronic bulletin boards, and
other media;
11) Live-streaming of APEC School events; and
12) Publishing communications with journalistic content, such as news
information in APEC Schools publications and social media sites.
Furthermore, it may be necessary for APEC Schools to disclose and transfer
your personal data to third party companies, entities, or service providers
engaged by APEC Schools Inc. to perform certain services on behalf of APEC
Schools, Inc., including the following:
● Insurance providers;
● External Consultants and other Professional Advisors, such as auditors
and legal firms;
● Contractors or Subcontractors; and
● Such other service providers that may be appointed by APEC Schools,
Inc.

119
Protection Measures
APEC Schools Inc., shall exercise reasonable and appropriate administrative and
security measures and procedures to prevent unauthorized or unlawful
processing, loss of or damage to, your personal data.
APEC Schools, Inc. shall implement reasonable and appropriate organizational,
physical, and technical measures intended for the protection of personal
information or data against any accidental or unlawful destruction, alteration
and disclosure. The employees, contractors, sub-contractors or representatives
of APEC Schools, Inc. who are involved in the processing of personal
information or data shall operate and hold personal information or data under
strict confidentiality especially if it is not intended for public disclosure.
Unfortunately, no data transmission over the Internet or any wireless network
can be guaranteed to be 100% secured. As a result, while we employ
commercially reasonable security measures to protect data and seek to partner
with companies which do the same, we cannot guarantee the security of any
information transmitted to or from the website and are not responsible for the
actions of any third parties that may receive any such information.
Any data security incident or breach that comes to the knowledge of the APEC
Schools will be recorded and reported as required by law. APEC Schools will
take all necessary and reasonable steps to address such incidents or breach and
mitigate any negative effect of such incident or breach. If there is strong
suspicion that an incident affects your child’s personal information, APEC
Schools will notify you of such an incident in an appropriate manner.
Retention Policy
Unless otherwise provided in the appropriate APEC Schools protocols, we will
retain the students’ personal information indefinitely for historical and
statistical purposes. Where a retention period is provided, all records after such
period will be securely disposed of.
Students Rights
As provided by the Act, you may object to the processing of your child’s
personal data, request to access his/her personal information, and/or have it
corrected, erased, or blocked on reasonable grounds. APEC Schools will
consider the request and reserves the right to deal with the matter in
accordance with law.

Please specify your request and explain the reason for your request by writing
to the appropriate School Head of the APEC branch where your child is enrolled
in.

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Amendment to the Privacy Policy
APEC Schools, Inc. reserves the right, in our sole discretion, to modify this Policy
at any time, so please review it frequently. The most updated version of the
Policy shall apply and supersede all previous versions of the Policy.
Privacy Questions and Comments
APEC Schools, Inc. will respond to reasonable requests to review your personal
data collected by us and to correct, amend or delete any inaccuracies. If you
have any questions or comments about the APEC Schools Data Privacy Policy,
please send us an email at [email protected].

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Annex I: Acceptable Use Policy Agreement
Form

122
Annex J: Parent/Guardian Social Contract

123
Annex K: Data Privacy & Policy Terms of
Agreement

124
Annex L: Student Work and Photo/Video
Release Form

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Annex M: Enrollment Policies Agreement Form
We, the parents/guardian and student/s duly acknowledge and recognize that upon signing
of this Enrollment Policies Agreement, agree to comply with APEC Schools’ expectations,
requirements and policies as explicitly stated in the APEC Schools Parent-Student
Handbook and other circulars and memoranda issued by the same institution; and that, if
our child commits an offense as described in the aforementioned reference material, he/she
shall be subjected to the corresponding disciplinary action.

We understand that a student’s application will only be given due course when he/she
satisfies all the qualifications and requirements and has none of the disqualification
prescribed by the Department of Education, pertinent laws and rules promulgated by the
school. Should any of the requirements be not satisfied, APEC Schools may refuse the
admission.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS. As parents/guardians, we shall settle the full admission

fee and submit complete admission requirements before the communicated due dates.
Failure to comply would forfeit his or her enrollment, including the non-refunding of the
Admission Fee. Likewise, should we withdraw our child’s enrollment TWO (2) weeks after
class opening, we will be charged in full for the entire school year, regardless of actual
attendance and no refund shall be given.

PAYMENT OF TUITION FEE. We agree that the Tuition fee for monthly payers is due
every 20th of each month, for 10 months starting in July. Failure to pay the tuition fee on or
before the cutoff date incurs a penalty of PhP150.00. The penalty is cumulative. A student
with unpaid tuition fee shall be allowed to take the exam provided that we as
parents/guardians fill up and sign a Promissory Note to secure the EXAM PASS. We also
understand that the School will not release the Progress Report and/or Report Card until
our account is settled.

WITHHOLDING OF CREDENTIALS. We understand and agree that, in the event of

transfer out and drop out, our child’s credentials which include, but not limited to, his/her
Report Card, Certificate of Enrollment and Good Moral, may be withheld by APEC Schools
until our child’s documentary and financial requirements have been fully satisfied.

SUSPENSION/DISMISSAL. In the event our child has committed a grave offense, we

understand and consent to APEC Schools’ right to SUSPEND OR IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL
upon notice issued by the School.

STUDENT ILLNESS/EMERGENCY. It is our duty and responsibility to ensure that our

child is well and able to cope with the requirements, activities and demands of being an
APEC Student. We shall exercise prudence in keeping our child at home whenever he/she
is seriously ill and that we shall notify APEC Schools in writing and with medical certification
in such an event.

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USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES AND RESOURCES. We understand and agree that our
child shall be allowed to use the school facilities such as the Library, TLE/Clinic, Restrooms
and Classrooms. Likewise, he/she will also have the opportunity to use the Chromebooks,
Science Equipment, Books and Tablets. We shall help teach our child the proper way of
using those facilities and equipment and in the event that our child is found to have
tampered and damaged such facilities and resources, he/she shall be liable to pay for the
damages as determined by the APEC Schools.

ABSENCES AND TARDINESS. We have been informed that Section 157.1 of the
Compendium of Education Legislation for Private Education (2011 ed) states that “A
student is required to be present for at least 80% of class days”. The number of school
days is set by APEC Schools at the beginning of the school year and that we have the
issued School Calendar as our reference. Excessive absences and tardiness have its
corresponding sanctions. An accumulated 44 absences or 20% of the school days shall
merit Official Dropping status.

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY. We fully understand that APEC Schools stands firm in its
implementation of the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 and will exert utmost effort to keep my child
safe and unharmed within the School premises.

DATA PROTECTION POLICY. We agree that by enrolling as a student of APEC Schools, I

am allowing it to collect, use and process my child’s personal data where a legitimate
educational purpose exists in its determination as enumerated in the Student’s Handbook.
Reference to this is Republic Act No. 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

CONFORME: ENROLLMENT POLICY

Signing below signifies my understanding and agreement of the Enrollment Policies of

APEC Schools.

PARENTS SIGNATURE ABOVE DATE SIGNED

PRINTED NAME

127
Annex N: APEC Student Honor Code &
Commitment

128
Annex O: APEC Hymn & Pledge

129
Parent-Student Handbook Acknowledgement
Form

We have received a copy of the 10 Edition of APEC Schools

Parent-Student Handbook, and read and reviewed its contents.

By signing below, we have understood that the procedures,

regulations, policies, and guidelines and any written revisions to
this handbook or any new written policies which are distributed
or posted, govern the duration of our stay in APEC Schools.

__________________________________________
Signature over Printed Name of the Student

____________________________________
Signature over Printed Name of the Parent

________________________
Contact Number

________________________
Date Signed

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