The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) has recently forwarded a revised set of implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 to the Department of Education (DepEd). This move is aimed at bolstering the fight against bullying in educational institutions by addressing gaps in the existing framework and introducing new strategies to safeguard students.
The proposed changes to the IRR are in line with the recently passed Republic Act 12080, which focuses on promoting mental health and well-being in basic education. This new law seeks to establish comprehensive mental health programs in schools, emphasizing prevention, awareness, and support for student well-being.
Karol Mark Yee, the Executive Director of EDCOM 2, emphasized the importance of creating safe learning environments free from bullying and harassment. He stated that the goal is to ensure that every student can learn and grow without fear, by strengthening policies and implementing practical measures.
Recent statistics highlight the urgency of these revisions. According to the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), 43% of girls and 53% of boys in the Philippines have experienced bullying at least a few times a month. Additionally, the Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics (SEA-PLM) 2019 reported that 63.2% of Grade 5 students in the country face bullying incidents at least once a month.
Despite the existence of the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013, its implementation has been inconsistent due to policy limitations, varying school practices, and a lack of trained personnel. A significant issue is the shortage of guidance counselors, which hampers the effective enforcement of anti-bullying measures. Child Protection Committees (CPCs), tasked with handling bullying cases, often struggle due to insufficient staff and resources.
Another challenge is the underreporting of bullying incidents, exacerbated by an incentive system that rewards schools for reporting no cases, thus discouraging accurate reporting and hindering effective interventions. DepEd has noted that many schools lack clear student handbooks on discipline, and there is a lack of clarity and consistency in bullying definitions and reporting systems.
To tackle these issues, EDCOM 2 is proposing several new initiatives and revisions to the existing laws. The revised IRR will formalize the role of the Learner Rights and Protection Office (LRPO), which will oversee and coordinate anti-bullying efforts across all educational levels. The LRPO will also maintain a repository of bullying reports and ensure the systematic implementation of anti-bullying policies.
Schools will be required to develop localized anti-bullying policies and submit annual reports on bullying incidents, which will help refine policies and enhance enforcement mechanisms. EDCOM 2 also suggests integrating guidance designates and school counselor associates to address the shortage of registered guidance counselors.
The revised policies will include detailed definitions, preventive measures, and clear disciplinary procedures for various forms of bullying, including cyberbullying and gender-based discrimination. Schools must designate a discipline officer to enforce these policies, handle reporting, conduct preliminary assessments and investigations, and apply necessary interventions. This officer will also be responsible for preventive measures such as training and awareness programs to foster a positive school culture.
To support these efforts, the revised IRR ensures that schools will receive essential resources, including funding for training and access to counseling services. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, Co-Chairperson of EDCOM 2, stressed the importance of not only adopting these updated policies but also ensuring their proper implementation and monitoring to protect every student and promote a respectful and safe learning environment.
Rep. Roman Romulo, another Co-Chairperson of EDCOM 2, added that effective anti-bullying policies require more than just drafting rules; they demand diligent enforcement and active involvement from all school staff. With the appointment of dedicated discipline officers and the allocation of necessary resources, schools will be better equipped to take decisive action against bullying.