Shocking Truth: 382 Bullying Cases in One School—What DepEd and PBBM Are Doing to Stop It!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Bullying in Philippine schools has long been a pervasive issue, affecting the well-being and academic performance of countless students. Recent studies have highlighted alarming statistics, prompting concerted efforts from various sectors to combat this menace.

The Gravity of the Situation

According to the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2019 results, 65% of Filipino students reported experiencing some form of bullying at least a few times a month, with 40% being bullied frequently (once a week or more). This prevalence was among the highest globally. The PISA 2022 report indicated that one in three Filipino students continues to face bullying in schools, translating to approximately 43% of girls and 53% of boys encountering bullying incidents multiple times a month. These figures are significantly higher than the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) average of 20% for girls and 21% for boys. 

The repercussions of bullying extend beyond immediate physical and emotional harm. A study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) revealed that differences in bullying exposure account for approximately 0.05 standard deviations of the gap in average student achievement between proficient and non-proficient students. This disparity could potentially cost the Philippines around PHP 10–20 billion annually in foregone economic activity. 

Government Initiatives and Policy Reforms

In response to these pressing concerns, the Department of Education (DepEd), under the leadership of Secretary Sonny Angara, has taken decisive steps. On March 4, 2025, Secretary Angara signed the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act. This act mandates the establishment of Mental Health and Well-Being Offices (MHWO) in high-burden areas, led by Schools Division Counselors. The initiative aims to prioritize learners' well-being and create an enabling learning environment. Additionally, there is a concerted effort to assign one school counselor or counselor associate in large schools, such as Rizal High School, which currently has only one guidance counselor for its 12,584 students.

Aligning with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s vision of schools as "no-bully zones," DepEd is collaborating with the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) to revise and update the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013. The goal is to make the law more responsive to current school realities and ensure more effective enforcement. The revised IRR is scheduled for completion in the next two months, aiming for implementation by the start of the 2025-2026 school year. 

Expanding Support for Learners

To address the underreporting of bullying cases, DepEd plans to integrate Anti-Bullying and Rights-Based Education into the curriculum and include the Anti-Bullying Policy and Code of Conduct in the Learner’s Handbook. Social and Behavior Change (SBC) materials will also be distributed nationwide to reinforce awareness and advocacy against bullying. The Learner Rights and Protection Division (LRPD) is enhancing intervention mechanisms to ensure faster case resolution and better support systems for affected students. There are also plans to localize the TeleSafe Contact Center Helpline (TCCH) to adapt to the language, context, and cultural nuances of each region.

Community Involvement: A Collective Effort

While policy reforms are crucial, the fight against bullying requires a collective effort from students, parents, educators, and the broader community. Principal Richard Santos of Rizal High School emphasizes that addressing bullying is not solely the school's responsibility. He advocates for active involvement from parents and the community to ensure a safe environment for every student. This sentiment underscores the importance of a united front in transforming schools into safe havens where learners can thrive without fear.

In conclusion, the collaborative efforts of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Department of Education, schools, and communities signify a robust commitment to eradicating bullying in Philippine schools. Through strengthened policies, expanded support systems, and community involvement, there is hope that the pervasive issue of bullying will be effectively addressed, fostering a safer and more nurturing environment for all learners.

Warning: The Shocking Truth About Burning Trash That Could Land You in Jail!

 

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As temperatures soar across the Philippines during Fire Prevention Month, the EcoWaste Coalition has issued a timely reminder to the public: refrain from burning garbage. This practice not only poses significant health and environmental risks but is also prohibited by law.

Health and Environmental Hazards

Open burning of waste materials releases a cocktail of hazardous chemicals into the atmosphere, including fine particulate matter, heavy metals, and persistent organic pollutants (POPs). These substances can contaminate soil, water, and even the food supply. Vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions are particularly at risk. Exposure can lead to ailments ranging from headaches and skin irritation to aggravated asthma and chronic bronchitis. Notably, burning materials containing chlorine, like certain plastics, can release dioxins and furans—POPs targeted for global reduction under the Stockholm Convention. 

Legal Prohibitions

In the Philippines, open burning of solid waste is explicitly banned. Republic Act No. 9003, known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, lists open burning as a prohibited act. Violators can face fines ranging from ₱300 to ₱1,000, imprisonment from one to 15 days, or both. Additionally, Republic Act No. 8749, the Clean Air Act of 1999, penalizes the burning of municipal waste with imprisonment ranging from two to six years, depending on the nature of the waste burned. 

Current Practices and Challenges

Despite these regulations, open burning remains prevalent. A 2023 survey by Social Weather Stations revealed that 27% of Filipinos dispose of their garbage by burning it, underscoring the need for enhanced public awareness and enforcement of waste management laws. 

Recommendations for Waste Management

To mitigate the risks associated with open burning, the EcoWaste Coalition advocates for the adoption of best practices in ecological solid waste management:

Segregation at Source: Classify waste into categories such as compostable, recyclable, residual, and special waste to facilitate proper disposal and recycling.

Composting: Transform biodegradable waste like food scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost, reducing the volume of waste sent to landfills.

Recycling and Reuse: Identify materials that can be recycled or repurposed, thereby conserving resources and minimizing environmental impact.

Proper Disposal: Dispose of residual waste in designated sanitary landfills to prevent environmental contamination.

By embracing these practices, communities can protect public health, preserve environmental integrity, and ensure compliance with national laws. The EcoWaste Coalition's call to action serves as a crucial reminder of our collective responsibility to manage waste sustainably and safeguard the well-being of current and future generations.

Philippines' Energy Crisis: Nic Satur’s Bold Plan to Cut Costs and End Blackouts!

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Nic Satur, Jr., as the Chief Advocate Officer for Partners for Affordable and Reliable Energy (PARE), is at the forefront of initiatives aimed at transforming the Philippine energy sector to be more affordable, reliable, and sustainable. His advocacy encompasses critical areas such as amending existing energy legislation, exploring nuclear energy, and enhancing power generation capacities.

Advocacy for EPIRA Amendments

A central focus of Satur's efforts is the reform of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001. He argues that while EPIRA was designed to address energy issues, its current form has not fully realized its objectives. Satur emphasizes the necessity for amendments that prioritize consumer rights, ensuring fair rates, reliable services, and transparent decision-making processes. He also advocates for increased consumer involvement in rate-setting and policy formulation, aiming to democratize the energy sector and address persistent issues such as high electricity costs and frequent power outages. 

Promotion of Nuclear Energy

Recognizing the need for stable and reliable energy sources, Satur supports the integration of nuclear energy into the Philippines' energy mix. He believes that nuclear power can meet the country's growing energy demands and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. This perspective aligns with regional trends, as Southeast Asia explores nuclear power to support its energy transition to cleaner and more reliable sources. 

Enhancing Power Generation

Satur advocates for increasing the Philippines' power generation capacity, both in absolute terms and on a per capita basis. He underscores the importance of developing infrastructure and policies that support the growth of renewable energy sources. Recent developments, such as the Philippines' partnership with the UAE's Masdar to develop $15 billion in renewable energy projects, including solar, wind, and battery energy storage systems, reflect this strategic direction. This initiative aims to provide up to 1 gigawatt of clean power by 2030, aligning with the country's goal to increase clean energy's share to 35% by 2030. 

Addressing Grid Infrastructure Challenges

Satur has also highlighted the need for the government to address delays in power grid projects. He emphasizes that timely completion of these projects is crucial for ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply, which is essential for economic growth and consumer welfare. 

Goals for the Energy Sector

Satur's overarching goals include making electricity more affordable, enhancing the reliability and sustainability of energy, eliminating Red and Yellow Alerts (indicators of power supply deficiencies), and achieving inclusive economic growth. His advocacy is driven by the belief that a robust and equitable energy sector is foundational to the nation's development and the well-being of its citizens.

Through his leadership at PARE, Nic Satur, Jr. continues to champion reforms and initiatives that aim to transform the Philippine energy landscape, addressing both current challenges and future demands.