Data Center College of the Philippines of Baguio City, Inc. (DCCP) conducted a three-day seminar-workshop, “Breaking the Silence: Small Acts, Big Impact,” from September 29 to October 1, 2026, at the DCCP Annex Building to promote awareness, safety, and respect among students.
The Guidance Office, led by Sr. Mae Ann T. Flores, Fmm and Ms. Jillian Olivia M. Ramos, RPm, facilitated the seminar-workshop to enhance the students’ understanding of DepEd Order No. 55, s. 2013, or the Anti-Bullying Policy. This policy covers the different types of bullying, the effects of bullying, and the proper process for reporting bullying incidents.
The seminar-workshop covered various forms of bullying, including physical, verbal, social, emotional, cyber, and prejudicial bullying. Students were also encouraged to identify situations in which bullying may occur and to appreciate the importance of responding appropriately.
Sr. Mae Ann T. Flores, Fmm emphasized that addressing bullying is a shared responsibility within the school community.
“Bullying can happen anywhere… everyone in the community has a role in creating safety and respect,” Sr. Flores said.
In addition, Jillian Olivia M. Ramos, RPm encouraged students to move beyond simply observing incidents and instead take positive and safe action.
“Let us avoid being mere bystanders. We should try being an upstander, someone who stands up against injustices and potential violence we may witness,” Ms. Ramos said.
Another major topic discussed during the seminar-workshop was the bystander effect.
The bystander effect occurs when people do not step in or help someone in need, even when they are present. The discussion explored how this can affect students when they witness bullying or other serious situations.
Students may sometimes hesitate to act because they assume someone else will intervene. This lack of action can make the situation worse for the person who needs help.
The seminar encouraged students to recognize these situations and consider safe and responsible ways to respond rather than remaining passive observers.
The first day of the seminar-workshop, held on September 29, was attended by Grade 11 students.
Grade 12 students participated on September 30.
College students from first through fourth year attended sessions on October 1, with activities arranged according to their respective year levels.
Through the seminar-workshop, the Guidance Office helped students better understand bullying and encouraged them to see it, stop it, and speak up.
The activity also highlighted the role of every student in helping build a school environment where safety, respect, and responsibility are practiced by the entire community.
