DepEd’s Bold Move: Major Overhaul of Anti-Bullying Rules Coming This School Year!

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In a decisive move to combat the persistent issue of bullying in Philippine schools, the Department of Education (DepEd) has partnered with the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) to revise the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013. This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to establish schools as "no-bully zones," ensuring safe and conducive learning environments for all students. 

A Renewed Commitment to Student Welfare

Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized the need for meticulous monitoring of bullying incidents, noting that despite the law's enactment over a decade ago, not all schools have implemented comprehensive anti-bullying policies. He stated, "We need to be more thorough and diligent in monitoring bullying incidents." 

EDCOM II highlighted the detrimental impact of bullying on students' academic performance, citing studies from De La Salle University and the Philippine Institute of Development Studies. These studies reveal that bullying leads to disengagement and a long-term disinterest in studies, underscoring the urgency of effective intervention. 

Strategic Initiatives and Legislative Support

In 2022, DepEd established the Learner Rights and Protection Office (LRPO) to provide a platform for victims of bullying and other forms of violence to report incidents. The department has also prioritized hiring guidance counselors and offering mental health support to students and teachers, in line with the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act (RA 11036). 

The collaboration between DepEd and EDCOM II aims to strengthen intervention programs and ensure the availability of guidance counselors and discipline officers in schools. The revised IRR is scheduled for completion before the start of the 2025-2026 school year, following a series of high-level consultations to incorporate findings from EDCOM II's Year 2 Report into the decision-making process. 

Addressing a Persistent Challenge

Bullying remains a significant concern in Philippine schools. The 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) reported that 65% of Filipino students experienced bullying at least a few times a month, the highest rate among participating countries. Although this percentage decreased during the pandemic, recent studies indicate that bullying continues to be a pervasive issue. 

A study by the Philippine Institute of Development Studies revealed that approximately 11,000 15-year-old students were regularly bullied in various forms during the 2021-2022 school year. This highlights the need for comprehensive strategies to address the issue. 

A Unified Effort for Safer Schools

The partnership between DepEd and EDCOM II represents a unified effort to create safer educational environments. By revising the IRR of the Anti-Bullying Act and implementing supportive measures, the government aims to protect students' well-being and foster a culture of respect and inclusivity in schools.

As the revised regulations are set to be implemented in the upcoming school year, stakeholders remain hopeful that these initiatives will lead to a significant reduction in bullying incidents, ensuring that every learner can thrive in a safe and supportive environment.

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