June 1, 2026
MANILA – Overcrowded classrooms and bullying are driving absenteeism and lower engagement, while smaller class sizes are linked to better participation and safer learning environments, according to Second Congressional Commission on Education (Edcom 2) findings.
Edcom 2 said it held a focus group discussion on May 28 with Junior High School students of President Corazon C. Aquino High School in Port Area, Manila, to assess the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Summer Program. The ARAL Summer Program, initiated by the Department of Education and running from May 6 to June 2, provides small-group tutorials targeted at Reading, Mathematics, and Science for struggling public school learners.
In a statement on Sunday, Edcom 2 said the objective was to collect direct feedback from learners to inform future education policies. Students in Grades 8 to 10 raised concerns about persistent bullying and classroom disruptions during the regular school year, which they linked to overcrowded classrooms and an overall lack of safety on school premises.In contrast, students said ARAL’s smaller classes of about 10 learners create a safer, more supportive environment than regular classes of up to 60 students, saying they can participate more openly, ask questions without fear of ridicule, and concentrate better on lessons.
Students described regular classes as chaotic, noisy, and disruptive, noting that some classmates engage in bullying behaviors such as physical aggression.
They also shared that they are sometimes teased about their gender and subjected to severe ridicule from peers when making mistakes while reading aloud.
Students added that participating in class often leads to humiliation, saying: “We come to school to learn, not to be embarrassed.”
According to students quoted in the Edcom 2 statement, bullying sometimes escalates into coordinated attacks, leading to fear, absenteeism, and avoidance of school.
One student confessed, “I have experienced being ganged up on inside the classroom. I was punched.”
“I was absent for three days… because they were waiting to ambush me,” another student shared.
One learner also shared, “There is really no safety here at school, and it is even worse once you go outside.”
They also reported experiencing cyberbullying, including the circulation of stolen videos and photos of them taken in restrooms and posted on social media.
Many expressed hesitation in reporting incidents, citing ineffective interventions and fear of retaliation.
“Even when the teacher reprimands them, it doesn’t work—the classmate doesn’t change and even gets angrier. And the situation just gets worse and more chaotic,” said one student.
Poor learning conditions
Beyond issues on classroom dynamics, students raised concerns about poor learning conditions in overcrowded, poorly ventilated classrooms.
They reported extreme heat, fatigue, and discomfort causing reduced focus, with some calling for more electric fans or air conditioning systems.
School overcapacity has also forced very early class schedules, sometimes as early as 5:30 a.m., further adding to student strain.
“The experience of the students in Baseco, Tondo, teaches us that our students are struggling not simply due to academic challenges, but because of various factors, including bullying,” said Edcom 2 Executive Director Karol Mark Yee.
“This tells us that as we continue refining the ARAL Program, we must bear in mind not only instilling academic rigor, but also supporting our students so they feel safe, psychologically and physically, in school,” Yee added.
Former UP College of Education Dean and Edcom Standing Committee member Dr. Therese Bustos emphasized the need to equip teachers with strategies to reduce stigma around learning difficulties, including more individualized support for struggling students.
Edcom 2, created under Republic Act 11899, is mandated to conduct a national assessment of the Philippine education system and recommend reforms to address the country’s education challenges over the next three years.