A classroom at an elementary school in Quezon City. (PNA file photo by Joan Bondoc)
The Department of Education (DepEd) on Saturday reiterated its firm stance against bullying, stressing that it has “no place in schools” as the agency strengthens efforts to ensure safe and supportive learning spaces for all students.
In a statement, DepEd said it takes every report of bullying seriously and responds with swift and sustained actions to protect learners.
“Under the leadership of Secretary Sonny Angara, the principal author of the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 (RA 10627), DepEd is pushing forward with a strong and clear commitment to child protection,” the department said.
It added that the agency is working closely with parents, teachers, and communities to foster an environment where learners feel secure and empowered.
During a Senate hearing earlier this week, DepEd Assistant Secretary for Operations Dexter Galban reported 1,314 cases of campus violence from Nov. 24, 2022 to April 7, 2025 — with roughly half of the incidents involving student perpetrators.
To address the issue, DepEd is enhancing mental health services in schools and strengthening the implementation of child protection measures. Regular assessments are also conducted to ensure that school-based Child Protection Committees are active and effective.
The department is currently updating the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Anti-Bullying Act and the Safe Spaces Act to better address modern challenges, including cyberbullying and other forms of online harassment.
Efforts are also underway to expand training programs for guidance counselors, child protection officers, school heads, and parents.
Starting School Year 2025–2026, the K to 10 curriculum will feature enhanced values formation and integrate anti-bullying lessons into subjects such as Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC), Values Education, and Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao.
Students involved in bullying incidents will undergo counseling focused on empathy-building, accountability, and behavioral change.
The renewed push comes in the wake of a viral incident involving alleged bullying at Bagong Silangan High School, where a female student was reportedly attacked by several classmates inside a classroom. The case has prompted calls for stricter enforcement of child protection policies.