The House of Representatives has passed on third and final reading a legislative measure declaring September of every year as “National Bullying Awareness and Prevention Month.”
Following a unanimous vote of 245 lawmakers during a plenary session, House Bill No. 10134 successfully cleared the chamber. The proposed law seeks to heighten public consciousness on youth protection, safeguarding children from cruelty, exploitation, abuse, and other conditions that jeopardize their growth and welfare.
House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III stressed the need for collaborative action to ensure schools and communities serve as safe spaces.
“Every child deserves to go to school feeling safe, respected, and accepted. Walang batang dapat matakot pumasok sa eskwela dahil sa pang-aapi, pananakot, o anumang uri ng bullying,” Speaker Dy emphasized.
“Bullying is not something we should dismiss as a normal part of growing up. It can leave wounds that we may not immediately see, but which a child can carry for many years. Kaya mahalaga ang prevention, awareness, at maagang pagkilos,” he added.
Under HB 10134, the Department of Education (DepEd), together with the National Youth Commission (NYC) and the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), will lead the implementation of an annual campaign plan. Meanwhile, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) is tasked with managing public dissemination to ensure wide reach.
Dy also pointed out how digital technology and social platforms have expanded the reach of harassment beyond school grounds.
“Ang laban kontra bullying ay responsibilidad nating lahat—ng mga guro, magulang, paaralan, pamahalaan, at ng mismong mga kabataan. We need to teach our children not only to stand up for themselves, but also to stand up for others who may be afraid to speak,” Dy stated.
“Hindi natatapos ang bullying sa pag-uwi ng bata. Sa panahon ng social media, maaari itong sumunod sa kanila hanggang sa kanilang tahanan. Our responsibility is to make sure our laws, our schools, and our communities keep pace with the realities our children face today,” the House Speaker noted.
“Sa Bagong Kongreso, gusto nating maramdaman ng bawat bata na may nakikinig sa kanila, may handang tumulong sa kanila, at may pamahalaang handang protektahan sila,” he concluded.
“Because when our children feel safe, they are free to learn, to dream, and to become the best version of themselves. That is the kind of environment we must build for every Filipino child.”