Councilor Dahino eyes amendment to city anti-bullying ordinance

Calling attention to the growing concern of bullying among youth and online communities, Councilor Des Dahino urged her colleagues to strengthen and amend existing local legislation to more effectively address bullying in all its forms.

Drawing from her experience in the academe, she shared that she has personally witnessed various cases of bullying in schools and has seen how such incidents affect young people.

She noted that the problem has also expanded beyond classrooms, extending into communities and online spaces such as social media platforms, chat groups, and anonymous pages.

To respond to these challenges, Councilor Dahino proposed to revisit the city’s Anti-Bullying Ordinance (Ordinance No. 12581-2013) and introduce key amendments.

Her proposal includes expanding the ordinance’s coverage, establishing anti-bullying desks in all barangays, strengthening inter-agency coordination, institutionalizing digital literacy and online civility campaigns, and ensuring access to mental health and psychosocial support for both victims and perpetrators.

She concluded by reaffirming that Cagayan de Oro should not only be known as the “City of Golden Friendship,” but also as a city of respect, empathy, and compassion. (SPE/SP)