Manila Bulletin
Philippines
National
DepEd, Save the Children launch teacher training to curb bullying through mental health support
Philippines
National
DepEd, Save the Children launch teacher training to curb bullying through mental health support
DepEd, Save the Children launch teacher training to curb bullying through mental health support
Published Nov 6, 2025 04:50 pm
The Department of Education and Save the Children Philippines partner to train teachers on mental health and psychosocial support, helping them address bullying with care and empathy instead of punishment. (Manila Bulletin / file photo)
The Department of Education (DepEd) has partnered with Save the Children Philippines to help teachers address bullying by understanding and supporting the mental health of learners — not just punishing those who misbehave.
In a statement, Save the Children said the partnership was formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed on November 5 by DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara and Save the Children Philippines Chief Executive Officer Atty. Alberto Jesus Muyot.
Bullying cases rising in schools
Citing DepEd data, Save the Children Philippines noted that bullying cases in the National Capital Region (NCR) climbed to 2,500 in School Year 2024–2025, up from 2,268 the previous year — a 10 percent increase.
“These numbers are alarming and remind us that protection issues inside schools remain a serious concern. And this is only in Metro Manila,” said Muyot, a former DepEd undersecretary.
“When a child bullies another, both the victim and the perpetrator need support. The goal is not to punish, but to help them heal and learn better ways to express themselves,” he added.
Training teachers to respond with care
Under the partnership, Save the Children will co-develop a teacher training program on mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS).
The modules aim to help teachers respond appropriately to students showing signs of stress, anxiety, or behavioral challenges.
The program also enhances teachers’ skills in social and emotional learning (SEL) — an approach that helps children understand emotions, build empathy, and form positive relationships.
SEL can be integrated into everyday classroom activities, such as identifying emotions, expressing gratitude, or resolving conflicts calmly.
“Some teachers may think this is just another layer of work, but it’s not,” Muyot said.
“Helping children build social and emotional skills goes hand in hand with academic learning. When teachers respond with kindness and understanding, they create classrooms where all learners feel safe, respected, and valued,” he added.
Understanding the roots of bullying
Save the Children Philippines noted that consultations with students revealed that many children are bullied for being “different” — due to appearance, speech, gender identity, or disability.
Others shared that those who bully often face personal struggles, such as family problems, low self-esteem, or even violence at home.
By equipping teachers with MHPSS and SEL tools, DepEd and Save the Children aim to create safer, more inclusive learning environments and reduce cases of peer violence.
Strengthening child protection and inclusion
The collaboration also covers other education priorities, including inclusive early childhood care, learning recovery, school health and nutrition, child participation, climate change adaptation, and education in emergencies.
Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara (left) and Save the Children Philippines Chief Executive Officer Atty. Alberto Jesus Muyot sign a two-year memorandum of understanding to make schools safer, more inclusive, and more responsive to every learner’s needs. (Paul John Domalaon/Save the Children)
Muyot thanked DepEd for its “trust and partnership.”
“Together, we look forward to meaningful wins for and with children — ensuring that no learner is left behind because of discrimination, exclusion, or the growing risks from climate change,” Muyot said.
With this initiative, Save the Children reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring every child’s right to a healthy start, quality education, and protection from harm.
With over a century of humanitarian work, the organization — recognized as the world’s first and leading independent children’s rights group — continues to operate in the Philippines and across the globe, working tirelessly every day and in times of crisis to help children build a brighter, safer future.
Save the Children Philippines currently works with 12 regional and 60 division DepEd offices to promote child-friendly, resilient, and inclusive schools across the country.