16 December 2014 – The Philippine Embassy conducted a workshop yesterday entitled “Guarding Against Bullying:  Basic Self-Defense for Filipino Youth” at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Basilica de la Virgen Milagrosa in Madrid.  Around 20 Filipino children age eight to 17 participated in the workshop. Parents also listened attentively to gain a better understanding of the nature and dynamics of bullying. 

Spanish Association for Filipino Martial Arts President Maestro Guro Lawrence Oleriana was the speaker. He defined bullying using everyday situations and encouraged the participants to develop habits that promote safety. He also stressed the importance of eye contact with other people and self-confidence. 

Maestro Guro Oleriana used the slogan “step up or be stepped on” as he identified courses of action to help prevent oneself or a third party from being bullied.  He also taught the children basic blocking and defense moves.

A recent survey states that 25% of some 25,000 students in Spain have encountered some form of bullying.  Incidents of bullying were higher among males than females. 

The workshop was held as a follow-through activity to the Basic Self-Defense Workshop for Filipino Migrant Workers which was conducted last week and in line with the Embassy´s Gender and Development Program for 2014.  END