Fight against “shocking rise” in bullying with partners from government non-institutions

The Ministry of Education (DEPED) said on Tuesday that the “shocking” growth in bullying has become a national concern, prompting the department to work with other government agencies and organizations.

“To effectively combat bullying, we need to work not only within schools, but also in the families and communities where learners come from,” Education Minister Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara said in a statement.

He added: “It is not only a school issue, but a national priority, requiring a comprehensive, full response from society.”

Data presented at the largest executive committee (Execom) meeting convened by the department showed that bullying cases in the National Capital Region (NCR) increased from 2,268 cases (SY) in the last academic year to 2,500 in 2024-2025.

On April 4, a video of a student at Bagong Silangan High School (BSHS) in Quezon City dragging another student's hair online.

BSHS's official statement on its Facebook page said it condemned the “unacceptable behavior” captured on the camera and had “shut down and resolved” the incident.



It said: “Bagong Silangan High School has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying and harassment and other harmful behaviors.”

“We strongly condemn these actions and ensure to the public that all reports of misconduct have been thoroughly investigated and resolved,” the BSHS added.

To further strengthen students’ security against bullying, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is committed to intervening in bullying incidents involving legal violations.

DEPED added that CCTV (CCTV) will be implemented outside “large cities and high-risk schools” and increase police visibility, which will strictly comply with the department’s policies on data privacy and peaceful areas.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior and Local Government (DILG), supported by the Department of Justice (DOJ), proposed the activation of the integrated Barangay Juvenile Intervention Program (CBJIP), which aims to prevent bullying through transfer and rehabilitation.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is also committed to investigating reports of bullying through its on-site offices and establishing a “Parent Effective Office” to “educate families and address root causes such as family issues that may affect learners’ behavior.”

In addition to the collaborative assistance of government agencies, experts from the University of Philippines School of Education and the University of Manila will also help DEPED to enhance its values ​​education, good manners and correct behavior (GMRC) courses.

The proposed enhancement features include integrated socio-emotional learning, affective regulation and conflict management.

Currently, DEPED is drafting a default policy on school safety and security, which covers guidelines for incident reporting, sanctions, psychological first aid, and financial assistance for victims of incidents related to the school.

“We must act quickly and decisively,” Angara said. “The safety of our learners cannot wait for perfect conditions. What we need now is urgent, solidarity and continuous action.” – Almira Louise S. Martinez