PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said the Philippine government monitors bullying incidents in schools, as classes for the school year 2025-2026 opened nationwide on Monday, June 16.
The Chief Executive shared this with reporters during his visit to the Epifanio delos Santos Elementary School in Manila, along with Education Secretary Sonny Angara.
“Tinututukan namin ‘yung mga cyberbullying, ‘yung mga bullying dahil nagiging malaking problema, mental health problem ng mga bata,” Marcos said.
“Kung talagang may bullying, eh hindi sila makapag-aral ng mabuti,” he added.
Malacañang condemned the recent cases of bullying and violence in public schools in April, which prompted the Senate committee on basic education, led by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, to conduct an investigation.
Gatchalian previously revealed that only 966 out of the 3,210 schools they assessed have functioning child protection committees (CPCs) that would address bullying incidents. This was only two percent of the total schools in the country, the lawmaker stressed.
Under the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 10627, or the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013, the CPCs are mandated to handle bullying cases in public or private schools.
The committee should be composed of the school head, a guidance counselor, and representatives among teachers, parents, students (except in kindergarten), and the community.
Prioritize students’ needs, welfare
Speaking with the press, Marcos also said that he has instructed government agencies to assist students with their needs.
One of his directives was for the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to expand internet coverage to more schools in far-flung areas.
“Sa ngayon, ang mga eskwelahan na may internet lamang ay mga 60%, napakababa. Ang problema talaga kuryente kaya’t aayusin natin ‘yan, dahan-dahan makikita natin magiging 100% ‘yan,” the President said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) were instructed to reduce the expenses of parents and students by assuring that school supplies are affordable and student fare discounts are properly implemented.
The Department of Health (DOH), on the other hand, was directed to ensure the availability of health facilities in schools to provide the students with their medical needs.
Over 27 million Filipino students were expected to return to their school as the academic year 2025-2026 begins on Monday.
Expanded feeding program
The President also announced that the government will launch the expanded school-based feeding program in July, which is expected to reach more young individuals.
Marcos recalled the “First 1,000 Days” program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which supported Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) households who have pregnant women or children aged 0 to 2.
“Kung maalala niyo [‘yung] DSWD, meron na tayong program from the ‘First 1,000 Days,’ kasama na ‘yung pagbuntis para maganda ‘yung pag-alaga sa bata bago pa pinanganak at pagkatapos manganak,” he said.
“Ngayon naman from 5 years old on, ito naman marami tayong programa, lalong-lalo na ‘yung feeding program para sa ating mga kabataan,” he added.
