Bullying, overcrowded classrooms lead to absenteeism in schools—EDCOM 2
Bullying, harassment, and overcrowded classrooms are among the biggest obstacles to learning faced by Filipino students, according to a study by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2).
Results of a focus group discussion involving Grades 8 to 10 students from President Corazon C. Aquino High School in Manila revealed a troubling school environment where overcrowded classrooms contribute to disruptive behavior and bullying, undermining students' sense of safety on campus.
Participants shared experiences of being physically harmed by classmates, having personal belongings such as ballpens and bags stolen, being ridiculed over their gender, and facing mockery when making mistakes while reading aloud in class.
Some students said the harassment escalated into organized physical attacks and severe intimidation, prompting some victims to skip school altogether. Others reported experiencing cyberbullying, including the posting of photos taken inside school comfort rooms on social media.
The study also found that many learners are hesitant to report incidents, believing interventions by teachers and guidance counselors are ineffective and may even trigger retaliation from bullies.
Meanwhile, students praised EDCOM 2's Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) summer program, noting that smaller classes of around 10 learners, as opposed to the regular 60-student classrooms, created a more conducive learning environment that led to increased focus, better absorption of lessons, and lessened fear of ridicule.
Learners also cited poor ventilation and excessive heat as factors that make it difficult to concentrate in class.
"The experience of the students in Baseco, Tondo teaches us that our students are struggling not simply due to academic challenges, but because of various factors, including bullying," EDCOM 2 Executive Director Karol Mark Yee said.
In 2025, the Philippines was called the "bullying capital of the world" based on data from the Programme for International Student Assessment. Sixty-three percent of Grade 5 students reported that they experienced bullying at least once a month.
