02/09/2025
Breaking the Cycle: DAGYAW Open Government Town Hall Meeting Tackles Bullying Within Mountain Province
Located at Mayaen Sports Complex, Bontoc, Mountain Province, Sabangan National High School’s (SNHS) Supreme Secondary Learner’s Government (SSLG) officers participated in the second episode of the DAGYAW Open Government Town Hall Meeting with the theme “Pagtuldok ng Siklo ng Bullying” led by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and other stakeholders to address the issue of bullying in Mountain Province on August 29, 2025.
Opening rites included the Philippine National Anthem, followed by the welcome message of DILG – Mountain Province (Mt. Prov or MP) Provincial Director Daisy A. Payang, who explained the meaning of “DAGYAW”, Hiligaynon or Visayan term for “Bayanihan”, which in Sabangan means “Ub-ubbo”. She emphasized its role as a platform for dialogue between the government and civil society about the policies and issues in the area since its founding in 2018.
Sir Kliene P. Chunanon, the DILG – Cordillera Administrative Region’s (CAR) Local Governance and Community Development Division (LGCDD) Chief, also the Master of Ceremonies for the event, underscored the importance of addressing community concerns, which, in the case of Mountain Province, is bullying.
“Silence is being broken today, change is not only possible, but is already happening,” said Attorney Guwaye F. Moling of the Local Government Unit of MP, who discussed the cycle of bullying and the government’s initiatives to combat it.
Mayor Franklin C. Odsey of Bontoc, Mountain Province, then raised the issue of bullying in Bontoc, which had gone viral on social media. He stated that initiatives and laws are not enough, and that there should also be a space for students to feel safe. “We should revive cultural respect, understanding, and concern for others, as it is a weapon against fear and a light for brightening students’ situations. And if we combine these two, there is nowhere that darkness can affect,” he said.
During the Town Hall Proper, Police Master Sergeant (PMSg) Jeremiah A. Pursen of Bauko Municipal Police Station served as a moderator, citing a 2018 Program for International Assessment (PISA) research concluding that the Philippines is the “Bullying Capital of the World”, with one out of three students experiencing bullying. He stressed that any form of bullying can and will impact classroom engagement and psychological well-being. PMSg Pursen also noted the push from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr. to revive anti-bullying policies and reinforce rules and regulations, and that the Philippines’ current definitions of bullying under DepEd’s guidelines are outdated and need review.
DepEd – CAR Project Development Officer IV May Claire Jimenez, one of the resource speakers for the event, presented the department’s legal bases and school initiatives against bullying. She defined bullying as repeated harmful behavior that results in mental, psychological, or physical harm. Bullying cases over the last three years were investigated, and it was concluded that there were 155 cases in 2022, 70 cases in 2023, and 135 cases in 2024. She further discussed national programs and local implementations, including Republic Act 0627 of 2012, known as the Anti-Bullying Act, and DepEd’s zero-tolerance stance.
Social Welfare Officer III Carmencita L. Chulayen from the Department of Social Welfare Division (DSWD) – CAR then discussed the preventive measures of family and community to lessen cases of bullying. Quoting, “It takes a village to raise a child,” she underscored the importance of frameworks that support children’s rights and well-being. Followed by programs like Parent Effectiveness Services (PES) Program and Empowerment and Reaffirmation of Parental Abilities (ERPAT).
Meanwhile, Executive Director Annie Marie B. Caguioa of the Baguio City Association of Public Schools discussed why students engage in bullying and steps to prevent it, including collaboration with stakeholders, stronger communication networks, and strict adherence to school policies. “Bullying has no place in our institution,” she declared.
Concluding the talks, Father Marcial Lloyd Castañeda, President of Lifting Everyone, Nurturing the Faith, and Guiding Souls Altruistically to God (LENG-AG), stressed the importance of values and education in guiding the students’ personality and behavior. Quoting scripture, he reminded participants of the dignity of every individual, adding, “When we can address the causes of bullying, we can curb bullying.”
Open forum discussions followed, where resource speakers addressed student and stakeholder questions and concerns about practical solutions to bullying, followed by the awarding of certificates of appreciation and participation to speakers, partners, and the students for taking part in the activity. Closing remarks from the speakers captured the spirit of unity, including:
“We do our parts as representatives; you also do your part. Because if we don’t help each other, we can’t stop bullying.” – Annie Marie B. Caguioa
“Break the chain. Be the change. Ending bullying starts from within us.” – Carmencita L. Chulayen.
“Be active, conscious, and fully participate in curbing bullying in Mountain Province.” – Fr. Marcial Lloyd Castañeda.
“We need a whole society, a societal approach to end the cycle of bullying.” – PMSg Jeremiah A. Pursen.
“Always refer and report all the cases you have been experiencing in the school, and we hope all these organizations will address that.” May Claire Jimenez.
With the final parting words from PMSg Pursen, the event officially ended. “Gawis ay Mountain Province!”
L.D.P.
Photo Credits: G.C.M.
Video Credits: DILG Cordillera
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