BACOLOD City — The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) is pushing for stronger mental health, counseling and anti-bullying programs in local schools following a deadly shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University.
The SP approved two resolutions authored by Councilor Atty. Caesar Z. Distrito seeking to strengthen school-based mental health services, counseling, anti-bullying mechanisms and early intervention programs for students who may need psychosocial support.
The measures call on the Department of Education-Schools Division of Bacolod City (DepEd-SDO), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), City Health Office, Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), and public and private schools to enhance existing support systems for students.
Distrito said school safety should not be limited to physical security measures but must also address the mental and emotional well-being of students.
“Keeping our schools safe is not only about gates, security personnel, CCTV cameras, or keeping weapons out of our campuses,” Distrito said, emphasizing the need to ensure that students have access to people and services they can turn to when dealing with bullying, emotional difficulties or other personal struggles.
The resolution cites Republic Act No. 11036, or the Mental Health Act; Republic Act No. 10627, or the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013; and Bacolod City Ordinance No. 08-15-721.
It encourages schools to improve the identification of students who may need assistance, strengthen counseling and referral systems, and provide safe avenues for students to seek help without fear of stigma or judgment.
In a separate resolution, the SP expressed its condolences and solidarity with the victims, their families, students, faculty and personnel of Ateneo de Zamboanga University following the August 18 shooting at its Junior High School campus.
The incident claimed two lives and left others injured, prompting renewed concerns over the safety and well-being of students in educational institutions.
Distrito said violence within a school affects communities beyond those directly involved, noting that schools should be places of safety, learning and hope.
“Although we are separated by distance, we share in their grief and stand with them as they begin the difficult process of healing and recovery,” Distrito said.
He added that the tragedy should serve as a reminder of the shared responsibility of communities to protect young people and ensure that schools remain safe and supportive environments./PN
