The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) launched on July 3 a review of the Anti-Bullying Act’s Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), concerned that the existing Anti-Bullying IRR is not effectively addressing the evolving forms of bullying faced by students. 

Particularly, the EDCOM 2 technical working group (TWG) on the matter is exploring possibilities to amend the IRR to strengthen the role of families in preventing bullying and improve interventions for victims and their families. 

“One of the considerations that we have is the fact that a major component of this discussion on bullying would be the family and home life of our learners. As it is, DepEd cannot directly interface and provide interventions for parents and guardians,” explained DepEd Assistant Secretary for Operations Dr. Dexter Galban.

While the Anti-Bullying Law (Republic Act 10627) recognizes parents as part of the school community, DepEd currently has limited authority to directly intervene in family matters. This falls under the mandate of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

New initiatives could hence involve collaborating with DSWD and amendments could potentially expand DepEd’s authority to provide support services or resources for parents.

The TWG will hold consultations with various stakeholders in the coming months, including students, parents, teachers and mental health professionals. 

The goal is to gather insights and develop a comprehensive package of reforms to strengthen anti-bullying efforts in the Philippines.

The review comes amid concerns about the prevalence of bullying in Philippine schools. 

Data suggests a high number of bullying incidents go unreported, and schools struggle to fill guidance counselor positions, which are crucial to addressing bullying and mental health concerns among students.

The TWG was formed after EDCOM 2’s public hearing on bullying and the De La Salle University’s recommendation to amend the IRR, strengthen the Child Protection Committee and improve DepEd’s bullying reporting and structure.

“We already have existing policy mechanisms that can provide our learners with a safe and protected environment, and it is our shared responsibility to ensure that these are responsive and well-implemented,” said EDCOM 2 Executive Director Karol Mark Yee in a statement.