Manila: Short films produced by the Department of Education-Negros Island Region (DepEd-NIR) are now being utilized as educational resources to combat bullying in public schools throughout the Philippines. These films are part of an initiative to foster empathy, acceptance, and connection among students.

According to Philippines News Agency, DepEd-NIR spokesperson Almyr Caezar Dequi±a announced that DepEd Advisory No. 133, distributed by the central office on July 24, supports the national implementation of select short films from the region's "Powering Empathy, Acceptance and Connection Every Day" (PEACE) campaign. Dequi±a emphasized that the advisory has been communicated throughout the education system, reaching regions, division offices, and schools. The decision regarding the viewing schedule is left to the discretion of school heads, teachers, and office heads.

The films were selected from 20 entries submitted by each schools division office (SDO) during the DepEd-NIR 1st PEACE Short Film Festival held earlier this year. Notable films include "Biboy Ba't Ka Galit?" from SDO Bayawan City, "Ang Lima ka Tayho" from SDO Silay City, "The Weight of Silence" from SDO La Carlota City, "Paghilom" from SDO Siquijor, "Ranir" from SDO Escalante City, "Lapis" from SDO Dumaguete City, and "Himakas" from SDO Bago City.

Dequi±a expressed pride in DepEd-NIR's proactive efforts to combat bullying and enhance school safety and motivation. The advisory from the central office suggests integrating these films into learning activities, discussions, counseling programs, and initiatives that promote peacebuilding, conflict-sensitive education, anti-bullying advocacy, learner well-being, and the creation of safe learning environments.

Initiated by DepEd-NIR Director Ramir Uytico last year, the PEACE campaign aims to establish safe, inclusive, and harassment-free schools in the region by implementing school-based activities to prevent bullying and address student conflict. The PEACE Short Film Festival is a key component of this initiative.

The complete catalog of PEACE short films and streaming links can be accessed via www.deped.gov.ph, the DepEd NIR official Facebook page, and the DepEd NIR-Learning Resources Management and Development System YouTube channel.