The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) called for the Technical Working Group (TWG) on Wednesday, to re-evaluate the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA 10627 or the Anti-Bullying Law of 2013, due to the alarmingly high incidents of bullying in Philippine public schools.
Following De La Salle University’s research findings on the matter, the Program from International Student Assessment (PISA) 2018 showed that the country had the highest percentage of bullying among all participating countries and territories. Moreover, PISA 2019 cited the frequent reports of bullying from 65% of Filipino students, at least a few times per month.
The dismaying outcome encouraged EDCOM 2 to suggest the amendment of the law’s IRR, including the Department of Education’s (DepEd) system for handling the said cases. Stressing that Anti-bullying reforms must be enforced to provide learners with a safe and protected environment.
“It is our shared responsibility to ensure that these are responsive and well-implemented," said Karol Mark Yee, EDCOM 2 Executive Director.
The Webs that Intersect Bullying
There are various forms of bullying that can be experienced by learners, as stated by the group. To be aware of its nuances, an in-depth study and understanding must be enforced to see its roots. The group added that the learners’ family and home life be considered, as it is a bit more complex than people imagine.
Working through the intersecting web of relationship dynamics puts the whole community into perspective. In the coming months, TWG will also look into all the possible interventions for the schools and conduct discussions with experts, schools, learners, parents, guidance counselors, mental health service providers, and other relevant investors to come up with a comprehensive solution.
As bullying proves to be a complicated subject, ED Yee added how inextricably linked it is to several other challenges that learners face when it comes to bullying; The cost of one’s mental health and physical wellbeing poses as one of the major threats for the matter. If a child is being targeted, their school and other social environments would trigger fear, and affect how they respond and act.
Lack of Professionals in the Field
In previous discussions, PISA stressed the low number of graduates with Masters in Guidance and Counseling from 2018-2021, in comparison to the vacant guidance counselor positions. The lack of supply of professionals who could help alleviate the ongoing cases is a grave concern that must be immediately addressed.
DepEd reported in March of 2024, that the 4,460 vacancies for guidance counselor positions could not be filed. DepEd Assistant Secretary for Operations Dr. Dexter Galban, expressed that the reason for the lack of guidance counselors is due to its current status and salary.
"Considering the high prevalence of bullying in our schools and the rising mental health concerns in the country, it is crucial that we strengthen our interventions to support learners and build their resilience. Improving the quality of basic education should go hand in hand with providing a safe environment for our learners," Senator Win Gatchalian, EDCOM 2 Co-Chairperson remarked.
In 2013, the Anti-Bullying Law was passed as a way to address the hostile environment in schools, that affect the development and education process of children.
