MANILA — Since bullying puts both physical and emotional health at risk, non-profit organization Philippine Mental Health Association, Inc. (PMHA) partnered with anti-bullying advocate Mia Magpantay to develop the "No Bully Solution Coach Training."

Targeting junior high schools in the country where bullying and cyber-bullying cases are rampant, the ongoing program seeks to equip teachers with a step-by-step process and set of interventions designed to prevent and stop bullying — while fostering an emphatic connection with bullies and targets alike.

The "No Bully Program" has already started last February 2023, coaching over 130 personnel from 12 schools across the country.

This year, Magpantay said they plan to include 10 to 20 more schools, primarily those that lack financial capacity to access the training and other anti-bullying learning materials.

Several partner schools of "No Bullying Program" in the Philippines

That is why PHMA and Magpantay, along with their other partner organizations, will hold a fundraising through a golf tournament on June 21 at Tagaytay Midlands. All the proceeds will be used to print modules and distribute them to program participants.

PREVALENCE OF BULLYING IN PH

Recently, bullying has once again alarmed netizens after the Department of Education (DepEd) recorded about 170 instances of bullying in schools in just over a month.

The agency gathered the reports from November 24, 2023 to January 11, 2024 through its 'Telesafe' helpline.

Additionally, the Philippines is at the top of the list of countries where students feel unsafe at schools, according to the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), which is tasked to evaluate the education sector.

Bullying capital of the world? EDCOM 2 eyes review of Anti-Bullying Act

"The data shows us from many international assessments that students don’t feel safe in school. That they are bullied weekly, and that many of them don’t feel safe and therefore could not concentrate on their studies," EDCOM 2 executive director Karol Yee had said.

MOTIVATED BY VICTIMS' EXPERIENCES

Magpantay said what drives her and the team were the heartbreaking experiences of their peers who were once bullied.

Anti-bullying advocate Mia Magpantay.

"I have personally seen how much bullying hurts people. Friends of mine have been bullied, and I've witnessed how it affected their physical and mental health, confidence, happiness, and overall outlook on life," she said.

"We are passionate about building a supportive community where no one must face bullying alone. Knowing that our efforts can make a real difference in someone's life keeps us committed to this cause," Magpantay added.

ATTAINING BULLY-FREE ENVIRONMENT

The "No Bully Program" knows that achieving a future where bullying no longer exists in school may seem extremely hard, but the organizations behind it believe that making significant steps like training shows that it's possible.

It only needs more hands to help the initiative continue rolling.

"By educating students and teachers, promoting kindness and respect, and establishing strong support ecosystem, we can foster a culture where bullying is not tolerated. I believe that we still have a long journey to go, but each step we take in this direction brings us closer to a safer and more inclusive environment for all," Magpantay emphasized.