THE DEPARTMENT of Education (DepEd) is rolling out the “My Buddy” System  to foster safer, more supportive school environments and encourage learners to seek help early as part of its mental health and psychosocial support framework.

The initiative promotes peer support while ensuring that adult professionals remain responsible for risk assessments, formal referrals, and specialized mental health care.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara underscored the importance of peer support in breaking down communication barriers and encouraging learners experiencing distress to open up.

“Alinsunod sa utos ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos na tiyaking ligtas at supported ang ating mga mag-aaral, isinusulong natin ang peer facilitation dahil may mga pagkakataon na mas madaling magbukas ang bata sa kapwa niya mag-aaral,” Angara said.

“Kaya sa pamamagitan ng peer facilitation, binibigyan natin sila ng safe space para magtulungan. Pero malinaw na ito ay katuwang at hindi kapalit ng ating mga guidance counselor at guro na patuloy na gagabay sa kanila.”

Under the program, learners will be organized into buddy pairs or small peer groups that promote companionship, mutual support, and peer mediation. The approach draws inspiration from a “big brother/big sister” model, allowing learners to support one another in a structured and supervised environment.

These activities aim to foster a culture of help-seeking and provide safe spaces for learners to share their concerns. DepEd emphasized, however, that peer support is intended to complement—not replace—the work of guidance counselors, teachers, and other mental health professionals.

To strengthen adult supervision, DepEd is expediting the hiring and deployment of School Counselor Associates to support School Counselors. These professionals will supervise peer groups and facilitate debriefing sessions, while Child Protection Committees and School Care Centers will address protection concerns and facilitate external referrals when necessary.

DepEd is also introducing structured classroom check-ins during Homeroom Guidance sessions to help identify signs of learner distress and potential safety concerns early. Through regular check-ins and adult mentorship, the department aims to ensure that learners receive timely support and that concerns requiring professional intervention are appropriately addressed.

The **My Buddy System** forms part of DepEd’s broader efforts to strengthen school-based mental health support, promote early intervention, and ensure that every learner has access to a safer and more supportive school environment.