Palace condemns school bullying

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang condemned yesterday the recent cases of violence and bullying in schools that cost the lives of students, assuring the public that the government is working to address the problem.

Speaking to Palace reporters, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the government is acting swiftly on bullying and violence in schools.

“We condemn any form of bullying and harassment against students, our youth,” Castro said.

She said social workers have been sent to the schools where bullying took place.

Reports about students committing violent acts against their classmates have prompted the Senate to conduct an investigation.

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate committee on basic education, has described the bullying cases as “beyond alarming” and “a clear sign of a crisis.”

He called for programs that would promote values among learners.

The education department is also looking into the death of two Grade 8 students in Las Piñas who were stabbed by their schoolmates.

“There was an immediate action by the government through the directive of the President,” Castro said.

Various sectors have also expressed alarm over a viral video showing female students taking turns pulling the hair of their classmate in a public school.

Last month, a female Grade 8 student of Moonwalk National High School in Parañaque was killed by her male classmate for refusing to lend him her makeup kit. The boy reportedly complained of being bullied.

Gatchalian pushed for the implementation of the Parent Effectiveness Service Act, which equips parents with the knowledge and skills to raise responsible, well-rounded children.

Schools may hire additional security personnel or seek help from local government units (LGUs) to bolster security inside and outside their premises, the Department of Education said.

DepEd Assistant Secretary for operations Jocelyn Andaya said schools that lack funding may request for personnel from LGUs to beef up security. — Neil Jayson Servallos