Philippines Introduces New Educational Focus on Social and Emotional Skills
The Philippine Department of Education is developing a learning model focused on emotional and social skills to enhance its mental health initiatives in the K-12 curriculum. The Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) model, developed by the NGO ChildFund Philippines, aims to teach essential social and emotional skills that every student needs to achieve their life goals.
ChildFund education specialist Marlene Floresca explained that the SEL model would contribute positively to children’s social relationships by fostering values such as humanity and fellowship, thereby building confidence and trust. Floresca highlighted that the SEL model would help students develop six core SEL competencies: self-awareness, self-management, responsibility, diligence, interpersonal skills, and compassion. Education Assistant Secretary Dexter Galban emphasized the importance of the new program, noting that it is significant not only for the curriculum but also for the support services provided to schools. “Particularly during this period of rapid expansion of our mental health program, this will not only reduce bullying among students but also help them acquire critical skills as they enter the job market after completing the K-12 program,” Galban said, adding that the SEL model has numerous benefits both individually and socially.
In the 2022-2023 school year, the Philippines recorded a total of 7,742 physical bullying cases, along with 1,742 cases of social bullying, 1,137 cases of cyberbullying, and 590 cases of gender-based bullying. Bullying was found to be more prevalent in public schools with larger class sizes and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. A report from the 2022 International Student Assessment Program revealed that one out of three Filipino students experienced bullying at least once a week, with 43% of female students and 53% of male students being bullied several times a month.