THE HOUSE of Representatives has unanimously approved on third and final reading a bill declaring September of every year as National Bullying Awareness and Prevention Month to promote safer schools and strengthen the protection of children from bullying and abuse.

House Bill No. 10134 was approved with 245 affirmative votes, with no negative votes or abstentions.

House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III said the measure recognizes every child’s right to study in an environment where they feel safe, respected, and accepted.

“Every child deserves to go to school feeling safe, respected, and accepted. No child should be afraid to attend school because of bullying or intimidation,” Dy said.

The bill seeks to raise public awareness about bullying prevention and encourage schools, families, communities, and government agencies to work together to protect children and young people from abuse, cruelty, exploitation, and other harmful conditions.

Under the measure, the Department of Education (DepEd), in partnership with the National Youth Commission (NYC) and the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), will develop and implement annual activities for the observance of National Bullying Awareness and Prevention Month every September.

DepEd will lead anti-bullying awareness campaigns in public and private elementary and secondary schools nationwide.

The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) will assist in disseminating information about the observance, while local government units, civil society organizations, and private groups are encouraged to participate in the nationwide campaign.

Dy also underscored the growing threat of cyberbullying, noting that harassment can now extend beyond the classroom and into children’s homes through social media and other digital platforms.

He said the House would continue to pursue measures that strengthen the safety, protection, and well-being of Filipino children.

“Creating safe and secure learning environments allows every child to learn, dream, and reach their full potential,” Dy said.