Anti-bullying policy mandated in all schools

The Philippines is enforcing a nationwide anti-bullying policy for all schools beginning with School Year 2026-2027, as mandated by the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 10627, signed by Education Secretary Sonny Angara. The policy applies to public and private basic education institutions, including community learning centers and DepEd-supervised overseas schools, requiring each to establish a standardized anti-bullying plan that defines minor and major offenses. The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) emphasized that schools must now designate a formation officer to address bullying incidents, providing both sanctions and preventive education. Executive Director Karol Mark Yee noted that the policy aims to tackle systemic issues, including underreporting due to incentives for schools with zero bullying cases and a lack of guidance counselors. According to a study by EDCOM 2 and De La Salle University, the Philippines ranks as the 'bullying capital of the world,' with 65% of Grade 10 students experiencing bullying multiple times a month and 40% weekly. Yee highlighted that bullying severely affects students’ self-confidence, attendance, and academic performance, with many choosing silence or absenteeism over confrontation. Reported bullying cases surged from 1,000 in 2013 to 20,000 annually by 2018-2019, though Yee acknowledged underreporting due to schools avoiding penalties tied to bullying incidents. The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) data underscored the crisis, revealing that Filipino students often feel unsafe in school. Yee stressed the need for immediate action, calling the policy a critical reform to address the pervasive issue.