The Department of Education (DepEd) is expanding its efforts to support mental health and prevent bullying in public schools under its Kaagapay program in line with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure the welfare of both learners and teachers in the country.

In a statement on Monday, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the program will now tap parents, guardians, and caregivers as “co-educators” to strengthen learners’ support systems.

“Kapag magkakasama ang pamilya at paaralan sa paghubog ng asal at pag-unawa sa pinagdadaanan ng anak, mas napapangalagaan ang learners at mas gumagaan ang trabaho ng mga guro (When families and schools work together in fostering values and understanding in what the children are going through, the learners are taken care of even more and the work of teachers are eased),” he said.

Under DepEd Memorandum No. 002, series of 2026, parents and guardians will help the DepEd in reinforcing “values formation, positive discipline, and well-being at home” among elementary and secondary learners.

The Kaagapay program will also conduct engagement sessions to enable co-educator partners “to share best practices, guided reflection, and action planning.”

These methods seek to allow parents to understand the behavior, socio-emotional needs, and early signs of distress or bullying among learners.

Although participation is voluntary, the DepEd ensures necessary measures to uphold privacy and prevent stigma under the program.

The Kaagapay program, which has been allocated a PHP100 million fund for its nationwide implementation, is being implemented alongside the PHP2.9 billion School-Based Mental Health Program. (PNA)