Marcos to DepEd, DOH: Enhance school health facilities; curb bullying

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (Photo from Bongbong Marcos Facebook)

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday said that the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Health (DOH) must work together to strengthen school-based health facilities. 

During the delivery of the 2024 Basic Education Report in Manila, Marcos lauded Education Secretary and Vice President Sara Duterte but told her to work with the DOH. 

“To ensure our students’ and teachers’ health, we urge the DOH to work with the DepEd by strengthening health centers to support the network of school-based health facilities and dental clinics,” said Marcos.

“No bully zone”

“Every school will steadfastly stand as a no-bully zone; a sanctuary for diversity, a resource center for teens, a psychosocial first aid center, a mental health nurturer, a bulwark against the drug menace. A safe space for all. And most importantly, a safe space for our children,” Marcos added.

The President warned those who may cross these safety boundaries that the Learner Rights and Protection Office, Telesafe Hotline, and the Children Protection Committees will go after them. 

The 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa) found that one out of three Filipino students are bullied. 

The DepEd has identified bullying as one of the main hindrances to student learning, resulting in dismal scores in the Pisa.