BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

In an aim to address the challenges of bullying in schools, the Department of Education (DepEd) is working with the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) to revise the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Anti- Bullying Act of 2013.

“Kailangan na mas mabusisi at masinop tayo sa pagbantay ng mga bullying incidents. Mahigit isang dekada na nung pinangunahan natin ang pagbuo ng batas na ito sa Senado. Ngayong nasa DepEd na tayo, nakita kong hindi pa rin lahat ng paaralan ay may anti-bullying policy,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.

According to EDCOM II, bullying mainly affects the academic performance of the learners due to disengagement and long-term disinterest in their studies. This was according to the studies of De La Salle University and the Philippine Institute of Development Studies.

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. also made it clear that schools should be a “no-bully zone” and provide safe spaces for learners.

“PBBM and Sec. Sonny are committed to ensure that our schools are conducive learning environments. Bullying has long-term effects on learning, school performance, and especially well-being,” Undersecretary Filemon Ray Javier emphasized.

The Department established the Learner Rights and Protection Office (LRPO) in 2022 to provide a platform for the victims of bullying and other violent advances to report the cases to the agency.

DepEd has likewise welcomed the enactment of the Basic Education Mental Health and Well- Being Promotion Act (RA. 12080) and Sec. Angara has prioritized hiring guidance counselors and providing mental health support to students and teachers. The agency also started consulting the public on the drafted IRR by DepEd, Civil Service Commission, Department of Budget and Management and Professional Regulatory Commission.

Meanwhile, EDCOM II has commended the Department for its swift response to the proposed revisions in the IRR, which aim to strengthen intervention programs and ensure the availability of guidance counselors and discipline officers in schools.

During a February 8 meeting, DepEd and EDCOM II agreed on key points and revisions, with a commitment to work in lockstep towards school-level implementations. Future steps include a series of high-level consultations to ensure that Year 2 Report findings inform the agency’s decision-making.

The implementation of the revised IRR is expected to be finished before the start of next school year.

*All Photos from DepEd