05/08/2026
๐๐๐ ๐๐ฆ๐ฉ๐จ๐ฐ๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฅ๐๐๐ซ๐ง๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ญ๐๐ค๐ ๐ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ง๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ข๐ง๐
Recognizing that combating bullying begins with education and collective responsibility, the City Health Office (CHO) โ Population Division conducted an Anti-Bullying Symposium for the Grade Six learners of Manuel A. Roxas Elementary School (MARES) on July 30, 2026, empowering pupils with the knowledge, confidence, and courage to stand against bullying and become advocates for a safer and more inclusive school community.
"Bullying affects not only the victim but also families, classmates, and the entire school community. Every learner has the power to make a difference by choosing kindness, speaking up, and reporting incidents through the proper channels," shared Sheila Mae Quijada, RM, BSM, MCH, Program Worker II of the City Health Office โ Population Division.
Joining Quijada in the symposium was fellow Program Worker II Jocylin A. Toleran, RM, who devoted her time and expertise in discussing the different forms of bullying, its harmful effects on learners' mental and emotional well-being, the proper reporting mechanisms, communication channels, and the corresponding consequences of bullying behavior. Through interactive discussions and real-life examples, the resource speakers encouraged learners to become active participants in creating a culture of respect and empathy.
The symposium soon transformed into an open forum where curiosity met compassion. As the discussion deepened, learners confidently raised their hands, eager to seek answers and share their thoughts about situations they encounter in school and in their communities.
The Grade Six learners participated throughout the session, asking thoughtful questions that reflected their genuine interest in understanding bullying beyond its definition. The speakers patiently addressed every inquiry, turning each question into a meaningful learning opportunity that reinforced the importance of respect, accountability, and responsible action.
One grade six learner expressed appreciation for the symposium, saying it helped them realize that even seemingly harmless words or actions could leave lasting emotional wounds. The learner remained laser-focused throughout the discussion and actively participated, demonstrating how meaningful conversations can inspire young minds to become agents of positive change.
Grade Six teacher Marife Mawanag expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the CHO โ Population Division for extending its support to the school. She shared that the commitment shown by the resource speakers exemplified genuine public service, as they generously shared their time, patience, and expertise to educate and empower learners.
The Anti-Bullying Symposium is part of the continuing collaboration between Manuel A. Roxas Elementary School and the City Health Office โ Population Division in promoting child protection, learner welfare, and safe learning environments. By engaging learners through informative and interactive activities, the partnership reinforces the shared responsibility of schools, families, government agencies, and the community in preventing bullying and safeguarding every child's right to learn in a secure and supportive environment.
More than simply raising awareness, the symposium inspired learners to become part of the solution. As the voices of the resource speakers echoed through the room, so did the determination of every Grade Six learner to foster kindness, empathy, and respect. With empowered learners, committed educators, and dedicated community partners working hand in hand, Manuel A. Roxas Elementary School continues to move beyond awarenessโbuilding a school culture where every child feels safe, valued, heard, and empowered to take a stand against bullying.
By: Wendell F. Cartagena
District Information Office