AS THE School Year 2025–2026 opens, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is calling on the Department of Education to intensify its efforts to combat bullying and ensure a safe learning environment for Filipino students.

“Let’s not allow the Philippines to remain the Bullying Capital of the World,” said Gatchalian.

“We must guarantee that our schools are safe, especially as the new school year begins,” he added.

The senator stressed the importance of the proper and consistent implementation of DepEd’s new anti-bullying guidelines across all schools nationwide.

Gatchalian also reiterated a set of legislative and policy proposals to address bullying in schools.

These include the full implementation of Good Manners and Right Conduct and Values Education in the curriculum, increasing the number of designated guidance counselors, and enforcing the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act.

“These measures will help strengthen the culture of respect and empathy in schools and provide much-needed mental health support for students,” he added.

The renewed call comes amid continued reports of bullying incidents in both public and private schools, raising concern among parents, educators, and lawmakers.