5 days ago
QC, DepEd launch ‘B.A.D. ‘Yan!' campaign vs. bullying, discrimination
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte poses with students at the launch of the 'B.A.D. 'Yan!' campaign against bullying and discrimination in schools, on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025. Photo: Quezon City Government
The Quezon City Government, in partnership with the Department of Education Schools Division Office of Quezon City (DepEd QC), on Monday officially launched a comprehensive campaign aimed at combating bullying and discrimination in both public and private schools across the city.
According to a press release, the B.A.D. 'Yan! (Bullying at Diskriminasyon 'Yan!) campaign seeks to raise awareness, encourage reporting, and strengthen interventions to address all forms of bullying—including physical verbal, and cyberbullying, as well as emphasize zero tolerance for discrimination based on gender, religion, socioeconomic status, appearance, or disability.
'Every student deserves to learn in an environment where they are respected, heard, and protected. In QC, we believe that schools should be places of growth, not fear. With this new campaign, we reaffirm our commitment to stand by our children and ensure their voices are never silenced by bullying,' said Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte in a statement.
As bullying and discrimination can cause emotional distress and loss of confidence, which may affect how students socialize, their academic performance, and overall well-being, the B.A.D. 'Yan! campaign is aiming for a whole-of-city approach to create safer and more inclusive learning environments.
DepEd QC has pledged full support for the initiative, with division officials, principals, and teachers to be actively involved in its implementation. The campaign also calls on parents, youth leaders, barangay officials, and other community organizations to collaborate with the city government in fostering respectful and protective school climates.
During the recent two-day Education Summit, students, education stakeholders, and local officials pledged to uphold respect for all, reject bullying and discrimination in any form, and help build safe, inclusive communities within and beyond school campuses.
Belmonte emphasized that 'the fight against bullying is not won by schools alone. It takes the collective effort of families, communities, and leaders to shape an environment where respect and kindness prevail. With B.A.D. 'Yan!, we unite all QCitizens to protect our children and nurture them into compassionate and responsible citizens.'
Schools Division Superintendent Carleen Sedilla said, 'Schools are the second home of our students, and it is our duty to keep them safe. We will do everything we can to keep our schools places where every learner is respected and protected. B.A.D. 'Yan! is a message that is simple to remember, yet powerful enough to inspire change.'
DepEd QC will soon issue a Division Memorandum detailing specific steps and activities to support the campaign, urging education stakeholders to speak up (Magsalita), get involved (Makialam), and take part (Makiisa) in combating bullying and discrimination.
The campaign also empowers victims and witnesses to report incidents confidentially.
Students may bring their concerns to school authorities or call the city's unified hotline, Helpline 122, which handles various issues including bullying and discrimination. — Sherylin Untalan/BM, GMA Integrated News
