MANILA –  The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved on third and final reading a bill declaring the month of September of each year as the "National Bullying Awareness and Prevention Month."

During the plenary session, 202 lawmakers voted in favor of House Bill No. 11198, while no one abstained.

The proposed measure seeks to raise public awareness on bullying prevention and the importance of protecting children and youth from abuse, cruelty, exploitation and other harmful conditions.

The goal of the bill is to "promote safe environments and ensure access to quality education for all."

Under the measure, the Department of Education (DepEd) in collaboration with the National Youth Commission (NYC) and the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) shall prepare and implement an annual program of activities in observance of the "National Bullying Awareness and Prevention Month."

DepEd will likewise oversee awareness-raising activities in all public and private elementary and high schools nationwide.

When enacted into law, the Philippine Information Agency must ensure the effective information dissemination on the act.

All local government units, private organizations, civil society groups and non-governmental organizations are also encouraged to observe the "National Bullying Awareness and Prevention Month."

The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) said in its report last year they are working with stakeholders to revise the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013.

In the same report, EDCOM  raised alarm on the high incidence of bullying in public schools and called on strengthening reporting mechanisms.

It pointed out that the current policy is not as responsive to current forms of bullying.

Learners may report bullying cases through DepEd's official website or its hotlines.