MANILA, (PIA) — Senator Win Gatchalian is advocating for the full implementation of the Parent Effectiveness Service Program (PES) Act, or Republic Act No. 11908, as a means to address the rising incidence of bullying in schools. His call came during a recent hearing focused on incidents of bullying and violence within educational institutions.
Gatchalian urged the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to take action by operationalizing the PES at the local government unit (LGU) level.
“I am urging the DSWD, together with the DILG, to issue a directive to operationalize the PES at the LGU level. It is really the local government units that will operationalize this,” he said.
The senator emphasized the collaborative role of the DSWD and the Department of Education (DepEd) in creating program modules, while stressing that it is the responsibility of LGUs to organize the PES.
“The DSWD Central together with the DepEd should instruct the local city or municipal social welfare development office to organize the program, or else hindi mamo-mobilize and Parent Effectiveness Service Program Act,” Gatchalian added.
He is the principal author and co-sponsor of the PES legislation.
The PES Act aims to equip parents and guardians with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively fulfill their parental responsibilities, safeguard children’s rights, and promote positive early childhood development.
Under the law, cities and municipalities are mandated to implement the PES Program through their respective social welfare and development offices.
By pushing for the PES Act’s implementation, Gatchalian hopes to create a safer and more supportive environment for students, ultimately reducing bullying and fostering a culture of respect in schools. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
