Making the system a part of its mental health and psychosocial support framework.
As part of the observance of National School Safety Week, the Department of Education (DepEd) said that it is expanding its network of learner-led peer facilitation through the “My Buddy System,” which will be a key component of the agency’s broader School Safety Campaign.
Under the program, “learner buddies” will be organized through structured buddy pairings or small peer groups, focusing on friendship and horizontal peer mediation, modeled after the “big brother/big sister” approach.
These activities, the department told, will encourage students to seek help within the safe space of a classroom.
By leveraging these student networks, DepEd said that it aims to encourage early help-seeking, while also ensuring that risk assessments, formal referrals, and specialized care remain under the management of professionals.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized the importance of peer support in breaking down communication barriers among young people facing personal challenges.
“[I]sinusulong natin ang peer facilitation dahil may mga pagkakataon na mas madaling magbukas ang bata sa kapwa niya mag-aaral,” said Angara.
The said program has been designed to complement professional guidance personnel which will include structured counseling and teacher check-ins.
In line with that, the DepEd is expediting the recruitment and deployment of School Counselor Associates to assist School Counselors.
These professionals are tasked to oversee the peer groups and lead debriefing sessions, while Child Protection Committees (CPCs). Meanwhile, School Care Centers will handle protection-related matters and external referrals.
DepEd is also implementing structured classroom check-ins during Homeroom Guidance sessions to identify potential risks early and allow for guidance from adults.
“Kaya sa pamamagitan ng peer facilitation, binibigyan natin sila ng safe space para magtulungan. Pero malinaw na ito ay katuwang at hindi kapalit ng ating mga guidance counselor at guro na patuloy na gagabay sa kanila,” the education chief added.
Angara also emphasized the vital role of parents and caregivers in staying engaged and vigilant to protect students from harmful influences on the internet.
According to him, eradicating violence in schools and protecting the welfare of students is a collective responsibility of the entire community.
“Ang kaligtasan sa ating mga paaralan ay hindi lang usapin ng DepEd, ito ay pananagutan ng buong komunidad,” he added.
