MAWAB, Davao de Oro(January 23) — After a troubling incident involving a high school student who reportedly self-harmed amid depression, Myrill Apit, mayor of Mawab, is calling for stronger, coordinated action against bullying in local schools.
Apit convened education and social welfare officials this week to confront what she described as a growing concern affecting students’ safety and mental well-being. The meeting brought together Department of Education district coordinating principal Rosario Angostura Noñeza and Ever Lucas, head of the Mawab Social Welfare and Development Office.
Following the discussion, the DepEd and the Mawab local government agreed to forge a partnership aimed at developing school-based programs that prevent bullying, protect learners, and promote a supportive environment.
“There is no room for bullying in Mawab,” Apit said. “We will not allow any child to be afraid of going to school because of the harmful actions of others.”
The mayor stressed that anti-bullying efforts cannot stop at policy statements alone. She committed to closer coordination with teachers, school administrators, parents, and social workers to ensure that reported cases are acted on swiftly and that students receive proper support.
Officials acknowledged that while schools already have child protection mechanisms, the recent incident underscores the need for stronger awareness, early intervention, and mental health support, especially for vulnerable learners.
Apit said the municipality will continue to push for proactive measures, not just disciplinary responses, to address bullying before it escalates.
“This is about protecting our children,” she said. “A safe school is not optional—it is a responsibility we all share.”
Local officials said further consultations with schools and parents are expected as the municipality rolls out enhanced anti-bullying initiatives in the coming months.
