‘Reported bullying cases in Tabuk City down from 18 to 1 in last 3 years,’ according to Dep-Ed Tabuk data

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Reported bullying incidents in schools in Tabuk City dropped from 18 cases in School Year (SY) 2023–2024 to just one case in SY 2025–2026, based on figures presented by Department of Education (DepEd) representatives during a legislative inquiry of the Sangguniang Panlungsod on September 15, 2026.

The data showed 18 reported cases in SY 2023–2024, six in SY 2024–2025, and one in SY 2025–2026, covering the period from June 2025 to March 2026.

The figures were presented during the Legislative Inquiry Relative to Bullying in Schools in Tabuk City, taken up by the 7th City Council during its regular session presided over by Vice Mayor Dick Bal-o.

DepEd representatives explained that the figures were based on bullying incidents reported by schools through the department’s information system, with the data also documented and consolidated at the regional level.

The figures show a sharp decline in recorded reports over the three school years covered. However, the data only reflect cases reported through the school reporting system and should not be interpreted as a complete count of all bullying experiences among students.

Some incidents may not have been formally reported to schools or may have been addressed through other channels.

The inquiry stemmed from a motion filed by Councilor Mark Rainer B. Duguiang during the previous session to invite the Schools Division Superintendent and representatives of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to discuss reported bullying incidents in the city.

Duguiang said the council should not only respond to bullying after incidents occur but should also use available data to develop preventive measures.

“We do not want to be just reactive to whatever happens. We want to deliberate on these matters so we can come up with either resolutions, ordinances, or programs to lessen or prevent bullying in Tabuk City.”

Meanwhile, PNP records presented during the inquiry showed no bullying case reported to the police since 2021.

The absence of police reports, however, does not necessarily mean that no bullying incidents occurred, as cases may have been handled within schools, barangays or other institutions without being formally reported to the PNP.

Despite the decline in reported cases, students who experience bullying are encouraged to speak up and report incidents to their teachers, school authorities, parents or other trusted adults so that appropriate intervention and support can be provided.

Parents and school personnel are likewise encouraged to take reports seriously and ensure that students have safe and accessible channels for reporting bullying.

With reported cases declining from 18 to six and then to one, the Sangguniang Panlungsod continues to examine the available data and discuss measures to strengthen bullying prevention, reporting and intervention efforts in Tabuk City.