06/08/2025
The Anti-Bullying Symposium held on August 4, 2025 with Grades 5-9 as the key participants, aimed to raise awareness among learners about the various forms of bullying, their consequences, and the legal frameworks in place to address them.
Key Highlights ||
Opening Prayer and Remarks:
The event commenced with an opening prayer led by Ms. Florie-Ann Orlanda, followed by opening remarks from Mrs. Ruth C. Roque, the School Principal. Mr. Jayson L. Villaseรฑor then read the Statement of Purpose.
Understanding Bullying:
PLT. Gemma Malag emphasized the importance of distinguishing between bullying and jokes, highlighting the potential harm of actions that may seem playful but are actually bullying.
Legal Framework:
PSSg. Sheena Malu Balao introduced the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 (Republic Act No. 10627), outlining its provisions and the responsibilities of schools in preventing and addressing bullying incidents.
Forms of Bullying Under the Anti-Bullying Act
The Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 defines bullying as any severe or repeated use by one or more students of written, verbal, or electronic expressions, or physical acts or gestures, directed at another student that:
-Causes or places the student in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm
-Creates a hostile environment at school for the student
-Infringes on the rights of the student at school
-Materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school
The law categorizes bullying into several forms:
1. Physical Bullying: Involves unwanted physical contact such as hitting, kicking, pushing, or damaging personal property.
2. Verbal Bullying: Includes name-calling, insults, threats, or derogatory language aimed at humiliating or belittling the victim.
3. Relational or Social Bullying: Entails spreading rumors, intentional exclusion, or manipulating relationships to harm the victim's social standing.
4. Cyberbullying: Utilizes electronic means (e.g., social media, text messages, emails) to harass, threaten, or embarrass another student.
5. Sexual Bullying: Involves unwanted sexual comments, gestures, or physical contact.
These forms of bullying can have significant emotional and psychological impacts on victims, including depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal.
Legal Obligations and School Responsibilities
Under the Anti-Bullying Act, all elementary and secondary schools are required to:
1. Adopt policies to prevent and address bullying
2. Establish procedures for reporting, investigating, and resolving bullying incidents
3. Implement intervention programs for victims and perpetrators
4. Educate students, teachers, and staff about bullying prevention and response.
Schools must also ensure that appropriate disciplinary actions are taken against perpetrators, which may include counseling, suspension, or expulsion, depending on the severity of the incident.
The School Principal, Mrs. Ruth C. Roque, delivered resounding closing remarks, emphasizing the importance of discipline and respect that learners should bring with them to school.
The symposium served as an important platform to educate students about the serious implications of bullying and the legal measures in place to combat it. By fostering awareness and understanding, the event contributed to creating a safer and more supportive school environment for all learners.
