Written by: Ms. Shaira Jane S. Ongyod- UBHS Faculty Member
Readiness for learner safety and protection remains a key priority as the University of Baguio High School (UBHS) strengthens its commitment to maintaining a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment through the SAFE UBHS: Speak Up • Act Responsibly • Foster Respect • Empower Others campaign.
Following the learner-focused activities held on August 26–27, 2026, UBHS continued the initiative through a faculty orientation on August 29, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon via Google Meet, attended by 56 faculty members. The session focused on strengthening teachers’ readiness to recognize bullying and warning signs, respond appropriately to learner concerns, and follow proper safeguarding and referral procedures.
The SAFE UBHS Campaign is a school-wide Bullying Prevention, Upstander, and Responsible Reporting Campaign that promotes shared responsibility for learner safety. It emphasizes prevention, early identification, responsible intervention, appropriate reporting, and collaboration among school personnel in creating a positive school climate.
The campaign complements the school’s existing Child Protection and Anti-Bullying mechanisms, particularly the Child Protection Committee (CPC), which addresses bullying cases and other child protection concerns. Since teachers and advisers may be among the first adults to notice warning signs or receive learner disclosures, they are encouraged to respond appropriately within their roles and refer concerns through established procedures.
The initiative also supports the principles of the 2025 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) on Anti-Bullying, disseminated through DepEd Memorandum No. 090, s. 2025, which emphasizes prevention, early intervention, children’s rights, positive school climate, and clear reporting mechanisms.
Strengthening Teacher Readiness
The August 29 orientation covered safeguarding boundaries, referral procedures, privacy, common instructions, and the proper handling of learner disclosures. Teachers were also tasked to prepare grade-level SAFE Walls or their digital equivalents to promote awareness, respect, responsible action, and learner empowerment.
The UBHS Principal, Dr. Violeta F. Apiles, discussed the overview of the SAFE UBHS Campaign and highlighted the teachers’ role to Spot, Respond, and Refer. Teachers are expected to recognize possible warning signs, provide an appropriate initial response, and connect concerns to the proper school mechanisms.
Emphasizing the importance of teacher preparedness, the Principal stated, “Safe begins with adult readiness.” The message underscored the responsibility of adults to understand safeguarding procedures, maintain professional boundaries, and respond appropriately when learners need help.
Understanding the Impact of Bullying
The orientation featured Jenny Wynne L. Daniel, RPm, as resource speaker for the webinar entitled “Know the Boundaries, Follow the Process: A Webinar on Learner Safeguarding and Referral Procedure.”
Daniel is a UBHS Batch 2019 alumnus, a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Saint Louis University–Baguio, and currently a medical student at the same institution. She is also a volunteer of the Anxiety and Depression Support Group Baguio Youth Advocates.
Drawing from her background in psychology and youth advocacy, Daniel discussed the effects of bullying on learners’ emotional well-being, behavior, relationships, school participation, and academic engagement. She explained how experiences such as rejection, humiliation, exclusion, intimidation, and repeated peer victimization can cause significant emotional distress.
She also presented data and trends on suicidal behavior associated with bullying in the Philippines, emphasizing the importance of early recognition and responsible referral when learners exhibit concerning signs.
Recognizing Warning Signs
Teachers were guided in identifying warning signs across four areas: physical, behavioral or social, psychological or emotional, and academic.
Possible signs include unexplained injuries, frequent physical complaints, withdrawal from peers, sudden behavioral changes, school avoidance, persistent sadness or anxiety, low self-esteem, declining academic performance, frequent absences, and reduced participation.
Daniel emphasized that one sign alone does not automatically indicate bullying. Teachers should consider patterns, behavioral changes, context, and the learner’s overall circumstances when determining the appropriate response.
The Green-Yellow-Red Flag framework was also introduced. Green flags represent behaviors that promote respect, inclusion, empathy, and healthy relationships. Yellow flags indicate behaviors requiring attention or monitoring, while red flags refer to serious concerns requiring prompt action.
Following the Proper Process
The orientation emphasized that teachers are not expected to independently investigate or resolve every concern. Their role is to recognize, respond, document or communicate when required, and refer concerns to appropriate school personnel or the Child Protection Committee (CPC).
Through SAFE UBHS, the University of Baguio High School continues to strengthen a culture of shared responsibility for learner protection. The campaign supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) specifically SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by promoting safe, inclusive, and collaborative learning environments.
The August 29 orientation reinforced a vital message: “Safe begins with adult readiness.” With prepared teachers, clear procedures, and active collaboration, UBHS continues to build a community where every learner is encouraged to Speak Up, Act Responsibly, Foster Respect, and Empower Others.
