THE DEPARTMENT  of Education has convened its largest-ever Executive Committee meeting, bringing together key government agencies, civil society organizations, and academic experts to deliver a coordinated response to the alarming rise in bullying incidents in schools.

“To effectively combat bullying, we need to work not just inside the schools, but also in the households and communities where our learners come from. This is not just a school matter—it is a national priority that demands a whole-of-government, whole-of-society response,” Education Secretary Angara said.

According to DepEd, data presented during the meeting showed that the DepEd National Capital Region recorded 2,500 cases of bullying in School Year 2024–2025, up from 2,268 in the previous year.

The meeting also highlighted the Philippine National Police’s commitment to intervene in bullying cases involving legal violations. The installation of CCTVs and increased police visibility will be implemented outside large urban and high-risk schools, with strict adherence to DepEd’s policies on data privacy and zones of peace.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development, for its part, will establish a Parent Effectiveness Office to educate families and address root causes such as domestic issues that may affect learner behavior.

Meanwhile, the Department of the Interior and Local Government proposed the activation of the Comprehensive Barangay Juvenile Intervention Program.

The Department of Justice has expressed full support for these initiatives.

Angara emphasized the need to “act quickly and decisively.”

“The safety of our learners cannot wait for perfect conditions. What we need now is urgency, unity, and sustained action,” he said.