Manila Bulletin
Philippines
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Timely reform for safe schools: DepEd commended for updating anti-bullying policy
Philippines
National
Timely reform for safe schools: DepEd commended for updating anti-bullying policy
Timely reform for safe schools: DepEd commended for updating anti-bullying policy
New rules expand bullying definition, impose stricter sanctions for non-compliance
Published Aug 5, 2025 07:53 pm
At A Glance
- The updated IRR expands the definition of bullying and sets a three-level system to address cases based on severity
- Schools and staff now face stricter penalties for failing to act on bullying reports
- The reform addresses alarming data showing the Philippines among countries with the highest student bullying rates
Education stakeholders welcome DepEd’s move to expanding the definition of bullying and enforcing stricter accountability, following reports labeling the Philippines as the "bullying capital of the world." (Photo from Unsplash)
The Department of Education (DepEd) has earned praise from education stakeholders and child rights advocates for updating the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013—a move seen as a timely reform to promote safer school environments.
The revised policy expands the definition of bullying, introduces a more structured system for handling cases, and imposes stricter penalties on schools that fail to act on reports of abuse.
The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) and the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC), in separate statements issued Tuesday, August 5, welcomed DepEd’s move to update the IRR—marking a major step toward addressing the alarming rate of bullying in Philippine schools.
Needed reform
EDCOM 2 said the major overhaul introduces a “more expansive definition of bullying, a tiered system for handling cases, and stricter sanctions for non-compliance, directly addressing bullying in schools.”
“Addressing bullying in our schools is an urgent concern that affects not only the safety and well-being of our students but also their learning,” said EDCOM 2 Executive Director Dr. Karol Mark Yee.
The revamped IRR introduces a broader definition of bullying, a three-tiered system for addressing cases based on severity, and stronger accountability measures for both public and private school personnel.
"With this new IRR, we commend DepEd for taking concrete steps to ensure that all of our schools are safe spaces for all learners,” Yee added.
High bullying rates in schools prompt urgent action
The policy overhaul comes after EDCOM 2’s recommendation and years of research identifying the Philippines as the so-called "bullying capital of the world."
According to the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), 43 percent of Filipino girls and 53 percent of boys reported experiencing bullying multiple times a month—more than double the OECD average of 20 percent.
A 2024 EDCOM 2–DLSU study further warned that bullying not only causes emotional distress but also undermines trust, safety, and learning in schools, particularly among students from low-income families.
Key features of the new anti-bullying guidelines
Among the highlights of the new guidelines are an expanded definition of bullying, centralized oversight, a three-tiered intervention system, localized policies, and district-level support.
The revised IRR now covers a wider range of bullying behaviors beyond verbal or physical acts. The DepEd Central Office will oversee implementation and maintain a national database of reported incidents.
The three-tiered intervention system consists of Level 1, where minor cases are handled by teachers; Level 2, where unresolved cases are elevated to a new Learner Formation Officer; and Level 3, where severe cases involve school heads, parents, and law enforcement, if necessary.
All schools—public and private—must adopt a standard DepEd policy, with flexibility to contextualize it based on their specific communities.
Additionally, school districts are expected to craft localized anti-bullying policies, particularly aimed at under-resourced schools.
Stronger accountability for schools and personnel
The updated IRR now holds both individuals and institutions accountable for failing to act on bullying complaints.
Public school personnel may face administrative proceedings for non-compliance, while private school staff may also be subject to disciplinary sanctions and administrative action.
DepEd clarified that “zero reports of bullying” will not automatically indicate a school’s positive performance.
EDCOM 2 thanked DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara for his leadership in addressing bullying in schools.
“We look forward to seeing a significant improvement in lowering the incidence of bullying in our classrooms—an essential element in our education reform agenda as we confront the learning crisis,” Yee said.
Created under Republic Act 11899, EDCOM 2 is mandated to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the Philippine education system and recommend legislative reforms.
Teachers back new policy, calls for unified action
The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) also welcomed the move.
TDC described the policy issued under Angara as a “timely and responsive action” to a long-standing concern the group has consistently raised.
“The Philippines has been tagged as the bullying capital, with numerous incidents frequently going viral online and drawing global attention,” said TDC spokesperson Jim Lester Beleno.
TDC said it has long advocated for this reform. “We are encouraged to see it finally being addressed,” Beleno added.
However, the group emphasized that “real change” requires more than policy—it demands the concerted effort of all stakeholders, especially government agencies.
“We call for a whole-of-society approach to ensure sustained implementation on the ground and a meaningful response that addresses the needs of both the bully and the bullied,” Beleno said.
The anti-bullying reform is one of several initiatives being pursued to confront the broader education crisis, including learning losses, school overcrowding, and unequal access to quality education.