STRONGER ANTI-BULLYING, MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS SOUGHT AS CLASSES OPEN NATIONWIDE

AS public schools welcome back some 28 million learners nationwide, Senate President Pro Tempore Win Gatchalian called for stronger enforcement of programs promoting mental health and addressing bullying in schools. 

The senator stressed that bullying remains a serious concern, noting that the Philippines continues to be tagged as the ‘bullying capital of the world.’ Results of the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) showed that one in three Filipino learners aged 15 experienced bullying at least once a week.

Gatchalian also cited EDCOM 2 findings showing that school bullying often escalates into coordinated physical violence and severe intimidation, leading some students to skip classes.

Under the 2026 national budget, P2.974 billion was allotted for the School-Based Mental Health Program and the creation of the Learner Wellness Division. This is in line with the implementation of the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act (Republic Act No. 12080), which Gatchalian authored and sponsored.

“Habang patuloy nating tinutugunan ang krisis sa edukasyon, dapat din nating sugpuin ang bullying at palakasin ang mental health support para sa ating mga mag-aaral. Nakasalalay dito ang kanilang kaligtasan, kapakanan, at kakayahang matuto nang maayos sa loob ng paaralan,” Gatchalian said.