THE SECOND Congressional Commission on Education or EDCOM 2 has submitted its proposed revised Implementing Rules and Regulations for the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 to the Department of Education.

The revisions aim to provide a more effective and proactive measure to combat bullying in schools, addressing significant shortfalls in the current implementation and introducing comprehensive updates to better protect students.

Despite the existence of the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013, implementation has been uneven, largely due to limitations in policy scope, variations in school practices, and a significant shortfall in trained personnel.

To address these challenges, new initiatives and revisions to existing laws are being proposed by EDCOM 2, including to revise the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013.

The proposed revised IRR formalizes the functions of the Learner Rights and Protection Office, pivotal in overseeing and coordinating anti-bullying efforts across all educational levels.

The LRPO will maintain a repository of bullying reports and ensure systematic implementation of anti-bullying policies.

Schools will also be required formulate localized policies to address bullying, as well as to submit detailed annual reports on bullying incidents, which will be used to refine policies continuously and enhance enforcement mechanisms.

To address the shortage of registered guidance counselors nationwide, EDCOM also proposes the integration of guidance designates and school counselor associates, particularly in leading anti-bullying initiatives.

This will help bolster the support system available to students within educational institutions. Schools are mandated to adopt and regularly update their anti-bullying policies, which should now include detailed definitions, preventive measures, and clear disciplinary procedures against various forms of bullying, including cyberbullying and gender-based discrimination.

To further enhance anti-bullying measures, schools are mandated to designate a discipline officer responsible for enforcing these policies and ensuring compliance.

The officer will handle reporting, preliminary assessments, investigations, and the application of necessary interventions.

Their role also includes preventive measures such as training and awareness programs to cultivate a positive school culture, alongside strategies to manage and resolve bullying incidents effectively.

To support these efforts, the revised IRR ensures that schools will be equipped with essential resources, including funding for training and access to counseling services.

The revision of the IRR aligns with the recent enactment of RA 12080 or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, which institutionalizes comprehensive mental health initiatives for basic education institutions, aiming to foster awareness, prevention, and support for the well-being of students.