DepEd working to address ‘bullying capital’ tag

MANILA, Philippines — Following global reports labeling the Philippines as the “bullying capital of the world,” the Department of Education (DepEd) vowed to intensify its efforts to combat bullying in educational institutions for school year 2025-2026.

DepEd Assistant Secretary for Operations Jocelyn Andaya said the department has issued new guidelines to schools as part of its renewed focus on addressing bullying.

“We will focus on (fighting bullying) this year. In fact, it is included in the Operation Balik Eskwela,” Andaya said.

The alarming label is based on the 2018 Program for International Student Assessment, which found that 65 percent of Grade 10 students in the Philippines experienced bullying at least a few times a month – the highest rate among all participating countries.

Aside from the new guidelines, Andaya, who also serves as DepEd regional director for the National Capital Region, ordered the implementation of metal detectors, bag checks and inspections in schools to ensure student safety.

Security in public schools will also be increased by hiring more guards, while local government units (LGUs) will be tapped for additional support.
DepEd is also ramping up efforts to address the shortage of guidance counselors.

Andaya explained that while the DepEd desires to hire more counselors, a lack of applicants has led to the appointment of “guidance designates,” or teachers trained to perform counseling duties.

The shortage, she added, extends to school principals, with ongoing hiring efforts and some teachers temporarily overseeing administrative functions in their absence.

To further protect students, schools are maintaining close coordination with barangays, LGUs and local police to ensure the presence of security personnel during critical periods such as the start and end of the school day.

School year 2025-2026 is scheduled to open on June 16.