The University of Northern Philippines (UNP), through the Center for Gender and Development (CGAD), partnered with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Santo Domingo, Ilocos Sur and the UNP-Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) to implement an Anti-Bullying Campaign across schools in the municipality from June 16 to 19, 2026.
The initiative strengthened efforts to create safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environments by raising awareness of the causes of bullying and equipping students, teachers and school stakeholders with practical strategies to prevent and address bullying incidents.
A key milestone of the partnership was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on June 17, formalizing collaborative efforts to advance anti-bullying education and learner protection programs.
Representing UNP during the signing were Atty. Katrynn Louise R. Eder, Director of CGAD, and Dr. Marifel Q. Acena, Head of the Student Welfare Services Office under OSAS. Representing the LGU of Santo Domingo were Mayor Annea De Leon and Sangguniang Bayan Member Giovanni V. Velasco. Also present were Ms. Renee Grace F. Tungpalan, CGAD Research Coordinator; Atty. Jann Danae Aninag-Palado, Municipal Administrator; and Mr. James Tagelo, Local Youth Development Officer.
One of the campaign’s core sessions, “Understanding GAD: Addressing Discrimination as a Root Cause of Bullying,” examined how gender biases, stereotypes, and identity-based discrimination contribute to bullying and highlighted ways schools and communities can foster inclusivity and respect.
Ms. Renee Grace F. Tungpalan facilitated the session at Lussoc Elementary School and Lussoc National High School; Mr. Froilan Unciano at Benito Soliven Academy; Mr. Jay-Ar Tolentino at Santo Domingo Integrated School, Santo Domingo South Central School, and Santo Domingo North Central School; and Mr. Randolfo Lopez at Naglaoa-an National High School.
Another major component, “Psychological Interventions: Responding to and Managing Bullying Incidents,” focused on emotional resilience, coping mechanisms, reporting procedures, and intervention strategies for bullying cases. The session was conducted by Dr. Marifel Q. Acena, Ms. Crystal Gale Senica, Ms. Glenny Baterina, Ms. Cathlene Mae De Castro, and Ms. Precious Castillo.
Members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines also served as guest lecturers, discussing the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 (Republic Act No. 10627) and related policies that promote safe learning environments and protect students’ welfare.
Through the extension initiative, UNP and its partners reinforced their commitment to gender equality, inclusivity, learner welfare, and mental well-being. The campaign emphasized the shared responsibility of educational institutions, local government units and community stakeholders in ensuring that learners can thrive in environments free from discrimination and bullying.
Photo by LGU Santo Domingo
