Manila, Philippines – The Department of Education (DepEd) has updated the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 (RA 10627) to provide a safer and more supportive school environment.
Signed by Education Secretary Sonny Angara, the revised policy aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
It highlights that all schools, including public, private, overseas, and community learning centers, must implement a standard anti-bullying policy.
Clear roles for teachers, parents, students, and school heads in preventing and addressing bullying.
A designated staff member in every school will act as the first responder to bullying complaints. A streamlined system for prompt and fair action on bullying cases.
It also emphasizes early interventions and school-wide prevention programs.
The policy also covers emotional and social bullying, not just physical harm.
This aim is to reduce absenteeism, dropout rates, and poor academic performance linked to bullying.
Lastly, it will strengthen Child Protection Committees and provision of technical support to schools.
The revised IRR will be widely disseminated at regional and division levels.