February 7, 2023

MR. GIAN-CARLO V. ARSCIWALS

Principal, IBED
Siena College of Taytay

Thru: MS. LEONOR S. GRABAMEN

Prefect for Pupil Formation

RE: Request for re-evaluation and reconsideration of the disciplinary action given to
Francesco Dominic Canoza

Dear Sir/ Madam:

Peace be with you!

Thank you for taking time to read this letter and we would greatly appreciate your immediate
response for reconsidering the case of our son for the suspected bullying incident.

Sienna College of Taytay is known for its mission to evangelize through integral faith
formation and promote academic proficiency and values, passion for truth and compassion
for humanity. That is the main reason why we chose our son to be a member of this
community.

This single incident wherein our child was sanctioned to, we think, was not commensurate
with the offense committed as cited in our student handbook which was first presented to us
by the good prefect for pupil formation. Of course, we cannot go beyond what was written in
the policy, we are just sharing our thoughts as a parent so we could align our relationship to
achieve our both goals.

As discussed with Ms. Grabamen, bullying as defined in our handbook is a repetitive,

intentional and habitual act directed at another student. The above incident can’t be
considered repetitive and habitual since it only happened once, neither intentional since our
child was only tasked to do it by three other students who were not his classmate. Thus, we
do believe that it would not fall under the act of bullying.

There would be a possibility that our child was the one who gets bullied by his co-service
mate. After we went to school, we asked our child why he did that, he said “kasi matatanda
yung nag utos sakin”. He also told us that he was not involved in the game of “making
sounds or cry”, which considered as basis by the committee as an act of bullying.

Our child is a shy-typed person, he always listens to his parents and older brother and sister.
He also behaves as an innocent child. We asked his adviser how is Francesco in school,
teacher Glaiza said that he was a good boy and acted in a decent manner.

Of course, we as a parent were very sorry to what was happened and we owe an apology. But
then we have to consider due process requirements before a student could be sanctioned with
such gravity.
The incident would be prevented if the policies are clearly disseminated and the bullying
prevention protocols are properly adopted. Our law on bullying demands the following:

a. Educate students on the dynamics of bullying, the anti-bullying policies of the school as
well as the mechanisms of such school for the anonymous reporting of acts of bullying or
retaliation;
b. Educate parents and guardians about the dynamics of bullying, the anti-bullying policies
of the school and how parents and guardians can provide support and reinforce such
policies at home.
c. All elementary and secondary schools shall provide students and their parents or
guardians a copy of the anti-bullying policies being adopted by the school. Such policies
shall likewise be included in the school’s student and/or employee handbook and
shall be conspicuously posted on the school walls and website.

Upon checking with the student portal and during parents’ orientation, no handbook was
given/posted discussing bullying and the corresponding sanctions which was part of due
process. Such policies were not even posted on the school walls and website which would
warn students of not doing it. Our law clearly mandates this school responsibility.

Moreover, we would like to reiterate our request to provide instructions, demands for
immediate action to avoid such situation with our accredited and authorized bus service
providers to follow what was indicated in the contract for having two personnels in their
vehicle. Up to now, upon verification, this issue has not been acted into by the school.

Hoping that you understand our sentiments, we only wanted what’s the best for our son. We
will assure you that proper disciplinary action has been taken on our side being the parent of
Francesco.

We are glad to discuss this matter at your most convenient time if necessary.

Thank you for consideration and God bless us all!

Very truly yours,

Daryl Dominic Canoza

Father