AS PUBLIC schools welcome back around 28 million learners nationwide, Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian called for the stronger implementation of programs aimed at promoting mental health and combating bullying in schools.

Gatchalian underscored the persistent problem of bullying, noting that the Philippines continues to be labeled the “bullying capital of the world.” He cited results from the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), which found that one in three Filipino learners aged 15 experienced bullying at least once a week.

The senator also pointed to findings from EDCOM 2 showing that school bullying often escalates into coordinated physical violence and severe intimidation, prompting some students to skip classes out of fear.

To address these concerns, the 2026 national budget allocated P2.974 billion for the School-Based Mental Health Program and the establishment of the Learner Wellness Division.

The funding supports the implementation of Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, a measure authored and sponsored by Gatchalian that seeks to strengthen mental health services and support systems in basic education institutions.

“Habang patuloy nating tinutugunan ang krisis sa edukasyon, dapat din nating sugpuin ang bullying at palakasin ang mental health support para sa ating mga mag-aaral. Nakasalalay dito ang kanilang kaligtasan, kapakanan, at kakayahang matuto nang maayos sa loob ng paaralan,” Gatchalian said.