As it steps up efforts to address bullying and other risks in schools, the Department of Education (DepEd) emphasized that strengthening partnerships among schools, families, and communities is crucial to preventing violence and ensuring student safety.

In a statement issued on January 17, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara stressed that proactive engagement—rather than reactive measures—helps create safer learning environments for both learners and teachers.

“Mahalaga ang ganitong mga hakbang ng paaralan—yung hindi naghihintay ng problema bago kumilos, kundi nakikipag-ugnayan agad sa magulang at komunidad (These kinds of steps by schools are important—not waiting for problems before acting, but immediately engaging with parents and the community),” Angara said.

“Doon talaga mas nagiging ligtas ang learners at mas nasusuportahan ang mga guro (That’s when learners truly become safer and teachers receive stronger support),” he added.

As part of its nationwide initiatives, DepEd announced that it will conduct five batches of orientations in 2026 on the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 10627, also known as the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013.

The orientations aim to equip regional and division focal persons, as well as school heads, with updated guidelines on handling bullying cases, DepEd said.

DepEd added that it is collaborating with Stairway Foundation Inc. to develop anti-bullying classroom decks, which will serve as the basis for session guides to help teachers facilitate age-appropriate discussions with learners.

The rollout of these materials is targeted for School Year 2026–2027, the agency said.

On the ground, DepEd cited schools such as Ramon Torres Louisiana National High School in Barangay Ma-ao, Bago City, Negros Occidental, which are already demonstrating how school–community cooperation can enhance student safety.

At the school, safety has become a shared responsibility, shaped by sustained coordination among teachers, parents, barangay officials, and the Philippine National Police (PNP), DepEd said.

DepEd noted that before the end of 2025, the school held its annual Children’s Rights, Anti-Bullying, and Drug Abuse Prevention Program, which brought together parents, students, teachers, and community partners.

The activity reflected the school’s sustained efforts to address bullying, peer pressure, and exposure to illegal drugs through open dialogue and collaboration beyond the campus, DepEd added.

DepEd said that school principal Helen Dela Cruz, together with faculty members and the School Parent-Teacher Association led by President Roger Palma, worked with the Barangay Ma-ao Council and the PNP to conduct sessions on student rights, responsibilities, and the real-world consequences of violence and substance abuse.

Resource speakers and VAWC Desk Officers reinforced messages on child protection and welfare.

Faculty president Ronald Alegre said the initiative was driven by real challenges faced by the school community.

“These issues—bullying, peer pressure, and exposure to illegal drugs—posed risks to students’ safety, behavior, and academic performance,” Alegre said. “Addressing them became necessary to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment,” he added.

Alegre noted that parents actively supported the program by closely monitoring their children, while the PNP provided guidance on relevant laws and the harmful effects of bullying and drug abuse. Since then, the school has observed a decrease in bullying cases, he added.

Aligned with national policy direction

While the activity was organized independently by the school, its approach aligns with DepEd’s Kaagapay Program, which highlights the role of parents and communities as key partners in learner protection and well-being.

For Ramon Torres Louisiana National High School, the impact is reflected in consistent, long-term engagement—keeping parents involved, maintaining open communication with local authorities, and sustaining awareness efforts year after year.

“When families, the community, and authorities work together, prevention efforts become more effective and sustainable,” Alegre said. “This collaboration helps create a safer school environment where learners feel protected and supported,” he added.