Manila: The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday announced that it is ramping up efforts and collaborating with other government agencies to address the rising incidences of bullying in schools across the country.
According to Philippine News Agency, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara spearheaded the largest executive committee meeting to date, focusing on the troubling increase in bullying incidents within public schools. Angara emphasized the importance of prioritizing this issue, calling for a comprehensive approach that extends beyond school grounds to include households and communities.
Currently, reported bullying cases have increased to 2,500 for the Academic Year 2024-2025, up from 2,268 cases in 2023-2024, as revealed by the DepEd-National Capital Region. In response, DepEd has partnered with several agencies, including the Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Department of Justice (DOJ).
The PNP is set to intervene in cases involving legal violations, increase police visibility, and install security cameras in schools deemed high-risk. Additionally, the DSWD will establish a Parent Effectiveness Office to investigate cases and educate families on addressing root causes of bullying.
The DILG and DOJ are considering the activation of the Barangay Juvenile Intervention Program, aimed at preventing bullying through community-level diversion and rehabilitation initiatives. Furthermore, academic experts from the University of the Philippines and Ateneo de Manila University will assist in enhancing DepEd's Values Education and Good Manners and Right Conduct curriculum. Meanwhile, the United Nations Children's Fund and Save the Philippines Children have offered data and insights into global programs.
DepEd is also in the process of drafting a Default Policy on School Safety and Security. This policy will encompass guidelines on physical safety measures, incident reporting procedures, sanctions for offenders, psychological first aid provision, and financial assistance for victims of school-related incidents.
