MANILA - Psychological first aid has already been provided to the Grade 5 learner who was allegedly bullied by her teacher during the first day of classes in Camarines Norte, according to the Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday.

In a Viber message, DepEd spokesperson Michael Poa said the condition of the learner will be closely monitored, after a Facebook post about her being "verbally abused" went viral.

"Psychological first aid was immediately given to the learner, by trained personnel from the school health section. Psychosocial status of the learner will be monitored," he said.

Poa made the statement following the DepEd's coordination with the author of a viral post concerning the experience of her niece.

In the said Facebook post, the 10-year-old learner was allegedly called "bruha, bobo, animal" (witch, stupid, and animal) by her teacher, being the last one to finish their writing activity.

In another message, Jeannie Vargas, the author of the trending post said they did not intend to make the post viral amid the exciting back-to-school season for most children in the country.

She also added that they have nothing against the institutions in their area as well as the general educational system of the country.

"Salamat po. Tinutulungan na po ng DepEd ang bata... After 2 years, ngayon lang nila mae-experience yung nasa klase ulit. Hindi rin naman po lahat ng bata ay pare-pareho kung paano mag-aadjust after ng nangyaring pandemic. Dapat po sana bilang mga guro ng mga batang to, tulungan natin sila na makabalik sa normal na school setting, paunti-unti (Thank you, the DepEd has already assisted the kid... This will be their first time to be back inside a classroom in two years. Children do not adjust the same way from the pandemic. The teachers should be the one helping them in their gradual transition back to a school setting)," she told the Philippine News Agency.

Moreover, the DepEd made it clear that the sector will not tolerate abuses of any kind against learners.

"Based on the updates that we received on the matter, [Schools Division Office] officials already met with the parents yesterday, August 23. During the meeting, the SDO emphasized that DepEd has a zero-tolerance policy against any form of abuse, and explained the courses of action to be taken against the subject teacher," Poa said.

Admin proceedings vs. teacher

The involved teacher, meanwhile, will be subjected to administrative proceedings following the incident.

"The teacher po will be subjected to administrative proceedings in accordance with our rules. The Department of Education takes these incidents very seriously," Poa said.

Vargas said they are hoping that authorities will be able to ensure that similar incidents of bullying will not happen elsewhere.

"Kung meron po sanang magagawa ang mas nakatataas para mas mabantayan ang mga bata sa school, magkaroon sana ng paraan para makakasiguro na hindi makakagawa ng ganitong klaseng pananakit ang mga teachers, pisikal man o sa pananalita (I hope authorities will find ways to keep watch of learners and protect them against physical and verbal abuse)," she said.

As of now, the head of the involved school was ordered to submit an incident report with a child protection policy intake sheet on or before Thursday, or within 72 hours from Monday's incident. (PNA)