DSWD supports DepEd’s anti-bullying

BULLYING is a common sight in schools, a serious issue parents and teachers need to address, for if not acted upon it will cause anxiety, depression, and avoidance of school which can disrupt child’s learning.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) takes part in addressing violence against children even in school.

“Dako sab kaayo ang role sa mga maestra sa paghunong sa bullying kay sila man ang makamonitor sa batasan sa mga bata (Teachers play an important role to stop bullying because they can monitor the behavior of each child),” Jabagat said.

Teachers serve as second parents and they are considered an authority to discipline.

“Students with behavior problems, lack guidance at home, may cause classroom disorders and the like. As a teacher, one must initiate activities to address the issue,” said Ramil Epe-Catraman, an English teacher of Tejero National High School.

“The coordination of DSWD in school is directly to the mothers (particularly 4Ps beneficiaries),” said DSWD Central Visayas Director Mercedita Jabagat.

One of the contributing factors in the increase of enrolment is the DSWD’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), which requires mothers to send their children to school and have them achieve at least 85 percent school attendance monthly.

Statistics show that DepEd had 107 percent increase in enrolment from 2011 to 2012 and approximately another 100 percent increase in the succeeding school year. This data was taken from the nine Cebu City schools in barangays Basak Pardo, San Nicolas, Bulacao Pardo, Busay, Cambinocot, Carreta, Luz, Mabolo and Pasil.

Jabagat said the DSWD’s family development session conducted every month reinforces the parent’s rearing capacity and responsibility.

The 4Ps is a conditional cash transfer that provides incentives for poor families by ensuring that mothers and children avail of healthcare and for children to go to school with 85% monthly attendance.