Alliance of Concerned Teachers Urges Stronger Anti-Bullying Measures
MANILA, Philippines — The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) emphasized that reducing class sizes and hiring more guidance counselors remain the most effective anti-bullying measures schools can adopt. These actions ensure a safer and more supportive environment for students nationwide.
ACT Chairperson Vladimer Quetua welcomed the updated Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013. However, he stressed that the government must address systemic gaps like understaffing among teachers and guidance counselors to fully realize the law’s intent.
“Teachers are already stretched thin, performing multiple non-teaching tasks on top of their instructional duties,” Quetua pointed out. “Without adequate education support personnel and clear protections on workload, these new responsibilities—no matter how well-intentioned—risk being passed on to teachers who are already overburdened.”
Critical Shortage of Guidance Counselors and Support Staff
Quetua highlighted the alarming shortage of guidance counselors and mental health professionals in schools. Currently, there is only one counselor for every 14,000 students, which is far from the recommended 1:250 ratio. This gap severely limits the psychosocial support available to students facing bullying and other challenges.
He urged the Department of Education (DepEd) to immediately hire more guidance counselors, learner support aides, and school nurses. These professionals are essential to complement the new roles outlined in the revised IRR and ensure that anti-bullying efforts go beyond mere administrative compliance.
“These professionals are crucial to ensuring that anti-bullying protocols are grounded in real psychosocial support and not merely administrative compliance,” Quetua added.
Enhanced Policies Aim for Safer Schools
The call from ACT coincides with the recent signing of the revised IRR by Education Secretary Sonny Angara. The updated rules seek to create safer learning environments in both public and private schools through comprehensive school-wide prevention programs and early intervention efforts.
The new IRR also introduces a clearer system for handling bullying complaints and appeals, aiming for more transparency and accountability in addressing incidents.
Broadening the Definition of Bullying to Include Harassment
For ACT, bullying manifests in many forms, including institutional and political harassment such as Red-tagging and repression. Quetua emphasized that schools must be shielded from these forms of vilification.
“DepEd must guarantee that its anti-bullying commitment extends to defending teachers and students against vilification based on their beliefs, affiliations, or advocacies,” he said.
By strengthening these protections and addressing staffing shortages, schools will be better equipped to foster inclusive, respectful, and safe learning spaces for all.
For more news and updates on anti-bullying measures, visit Filipinokami.com.
