SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian stressed the need for urgent action to implement stronger measures against the alarming prevalence of bullying in schools.

The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) recently submitted its proposed amendments to the Anti-Bullying Law’s Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) to the Department of Education. These include the establishment of a Learner Rights and Protection Office (LPRO) to lead the development of anti-bullying programs and maintain a central repository of bullying cases, investigation results, and sanctions imposed.

Gatchalian cited EDCOM II’s report, which found that despite the enactment of the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013, its implementation has been “uneven, primarily due to limitations in policy scope, variations in school practices, and a significant lack of trained personnel.” He added that the severe shortage of guidance counselors nationwide has hindered the effective enforcement of anti-bullying measures.

The 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment revealed that “one in three Filipino learners aged 15 experienced bullying at least once a week.”

The proposed amendments align with the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, which Gatchalian authored and sponsored. “This new law mandates the development of a School-Based Mental Health Program to promote the mental health and well-being of learners,” he said.

To address the shortage of guidance counselors, the law also created the positions of school counselor and school counselor associate.

Under the amended IRR, schools will adopt localized anti-bullying policies, designate discipline officers, and ensure that school counselors provide support for victims, bullies, informants, and bystanders. They will also conduct capacity-building activities for teachers and awareness programs for parents and learners.