Cebu City Council backs DepEd’s ‘Buddy System’

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Council has approved a resolution supporting the Department of Education's (DepEd) "My Buddy System" program, a nationwide initiative that encourages students to look after, listen to, and support one another.

The resolution, authored by Councilor Francis Esparis, stresses the importance of protecting the mental well-being of learners, noting that a student's emotional health is vital to effective learning and a peaceful school environment.

By approving the measure, the City Council formally expressed support for DepEd's buddy system, which creates safe spaces where students can seek help, share concerns, and support fellow learners.

The resolution also directs the secretary of the Sangguniang Panlungsod to furnish a copy to the DepEd Central Office for information.

The council's support comes as schools across the country continue to place greater emphasis on student welfare and mental health. In the resolution, Esparis cited DepEd's launch of the program following concerns about school violence and the need to strengthen support systems for learners.

According to DepEd, the "My Buddy System" organizes students into structured buddy pairings or small peer groups.

Drawing inspiration from the "big brother-big sister" model, the program encourages older learners to guide and mentor younger students while fostering an environment where classmates can regularly check on one another through informal conversations and support sessions.

The initiative was launched during the observance of National School Safety Week and forms part of DepEd's broader efforts to promote mental health and psychosocial support in schools.

The agency said the program aims to encourage help-seeking behavior among learners and provide an additional layer of support for students who may be struggling with personal, emotional, or social concerns.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara previously said peer facilitation can help break communication barriers among young people, noting that there are instances when students are more comfortable confiding in fellow learners than in adults.

DepEd, however, stressed that the buddy system is intended to complement, not replace, the role of guidance counselors, teachers, and other school personnel.

To strengthen mental health services in schools, DepEd has also accelerated the hiring of school counselor associates who will help supervise peer groups and provide support to learners.

DepEd also plans to conduct structured classroom checks during homeroom guidance sessions to help identify students who may need intervention or assistance.

In its resolution, the Cebu City Council also cited Republic Act No. 11036, or the Mental Health Act, which promotes the integration of mental health programs in educational institutions.

Officials said supporting initiatives that encourage peer mentorship and emotional support aligns with efforts to promote the welfare of young people both inside and outside the classroom.

With the measure now approved, Cebu City joins efforts to strengthen support networks for students, recognizing that sometimes a conversation with a trusted classmate can be the first step toward getting help.