DepEd introduces ‘My Buddy’ peer support system for safer schools

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Education (DepEd) is expanding its learner-led peer facilitation network through the My Buddy System alongside structured counseling and teacher check-ins to build safer, more supportive school environments, as part of its mental health and psychosocial support framework.

Launched during the observance of National School Safety Week, the My Buddy System initiative is a key component of DepEd’s broader School Safety Campaign.

By tapping into learner networks, DepEd aims to encourage early help-seeking while keeping adult professionals strictly in charge of risk assessments, formal referrals, and specialized care.

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Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized the importance of peer support in breaking down communication barriers among youth in distress.

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“Alinsunod sa utos ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos na tiyaking ligtas at supported ang ating mga mag-aaral, isinusulong natin ang peer facilitation dahil may mga pagkakataon na mas madaling magbukas ang bata sa kapwa niya mag-aaral,” Angara said.

“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.”

Under the program, learner buddies will be organized through structured buddy pairing or small peer groups, focusing on companionship and horizontal peer mediation inspired by a “big brother/big sister” model.

These activities encourage help-seeking within safe-space classroom settings and are designed to complement rather than replace professional guidance personnel.

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DepEd stressed that the initiative is not a substitute for professional mental health care.

To ensure strict adult oversight, DepEd is expediting the hiring and deployment of school counselor associates to support school counselors.

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These professionals will supervise peer groups and facilitate debriefings while Child Protection Committees (CPCs) and School Care Centers handle protection concerns and external referrals.

As part of this comprehensive initiative, DepEd is also rolling out structured classroom checks during Homeroom Guidance sessions to monitor learner distress and safety concerns.

The regular check-ins serve to ensure early risk detection and adult mentorship.

Angara also highlighted the crucial role of the involvement and vigilance of parents and caregivers in protecting learners against harmful online influences, emphasizing that curbing school violence and protecting learner well-being requires shared community responsibility.

“Ang kaligtasan sa ating mga paaralan ay hindi lang usapin ng DepEd, ito ay pananagutan ng buong komunidad. Alinsunod sa utos ni Pangulong Marcos, gagawin natin ang lahat para protektahan ang ating mga mag-aaral,” said Angara.

“Sa pag-uugnay ng ating mga guidance counselor, ng ating mga trained at alertong kabataan, at ng buong pamayanan, bumubuo tayo ng isang tunay na safety net para sa bawat kabataang Pilipino.”

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By uniting learner peers, educators, mental health professionals, and community stakeholders, DepEd aims to establish a comprehensive safety net that addresses behavioral indicators before they escalate into violence.