CAPIZ — The Department of Education (DepEd)-Schools Division of Roxas City in this province has intensified school security monitoring and strengthened its partnership with the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Roxas City Police Station (RCPS) to ensure the safety of learners and teachers following the fatal school shooting in Tacloban City.
The move aims to reassure students, parents, and school personnel amid growing concerns over campus safety after the incident involving minors.
DepEd Schools Division Superintendent Adonis A. Mosquera told local media that schools in Roxas City are now implementing stricter security protocols, including allowing law enforcement officers to conduct bag inspections when there is reasonable suspicion that a student may be carrying prohibited items.
Security personnel assigned to schools have likewise been instructed to remain vigilant and promptly report and address suspicious activities to prevent potential threats.
Beyond physical security, the Schools Division is also prioritizing the mental well-being of students.
Teachers and school officials are being trained to recognize warning signs, including social withdrawal, persistent sadness, and other troubling behaviors that may indicate a learner is experiencing emotional distress.
“These red flags must be identified early,” Mosquera said, stressing the important role of educators in safeguarding both the physical safety and emotional well-being of students.
However, the division continues to face a shortage of guidance counselors, with only seven counselors serving the city’s 50 public schools.
Child Protection Focal Person Ivy L. Olvido said the limited number of counselors constrains the level of support that can be provided to students. To address the gap, the Schools Division is establishing a division-wide support system that will enable schools to access additional counseling services for learners requiring intensive intervention.
Every school has also established Learners’ Rights and Protection (LRP) Desks to facilitate immediate assistance and ensure the prompt handling of child protection concerns.
Students requiring specialized intervention will be referred to the Roxas City Social Welfare and Development Office or the Roxas City Health Office for appropriate services.
Schools will continue to monitor the progress of students even after they have been referred to mental health professionals, according to Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Coordinator and Information Officer Maribeth Baldonado.
She said the continuing support forms part of the division’s Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Program, which aims to strengthen students’ resilience and overall well-being.
In response to emerging security threats, the Schools Division is also updating its contingency plans for active shooter incidents, placing the highest priority on the protection of lives.
The revised framework outlines response, recovery, and learning continuity measures to help schools effectively respond to emergencies while minimizing disruptions to education.
DepEd-Roxas City said it remains committed to providing a safe and secure learning environment through the collaborative efforts of educators, law enforcement agencies, and mental health professionals./PN