PB pushes measures intensifying school safety

Local

THE Cebu Provincial Board has pushed for measures aimed at strengthening school safety across Cebu following the recent shooting incident in Tacloban City.

The measures call for enhanced campus security, a stronger law enforcement presence, improved emergency response protocols, expanded student safety and mental health programs, and increased support from local government units (LGUs) to protect learners, teachers, and school personnel.

Board Members (BMs) Michael Joseph Villamor, Dason Lorenz Lagon, Dason Larenz Lagon, Nilo Seno, and Francis Ouano authored six resolutions related to school safety, which were approved during the august body's regular session on Monday, July 6.

BM Dason Lorenz specifically urged law enforcement authorities to strengthen security measures and curb lawless elements in all schools across the Province of Cebu.

Meanwhile, Ouano called on local government units (LGUs) in the province to augment school safety and security measures to protect students, teachers, and school personnel.

Another resolution approved during the regular session promotes the responsible use of cellular phones and other digital devices by children to safeguard their education, moral values, and overall development.

Aside from calling for the stricter enforcement of security measures in all public and private basic and higher educational institutions, technical-vocational schools, and among local educational stakeholders in Cebu Province, Villamor also urged schools to enhance their emergency response protocols and implement comprehensive student safety and mental health programs.

"Every student deserves to learn in a safe and secure environment. This resolution is our call for stronger school security, better emergency response, and greater collaboration among schools, government agencies, parents, and communities," Villamor told MyTV Cebu.

Villamor emphasized the vital role of educational stakeholders, including LGUs, the Philippine National Police, barangays, and Parents-Teacher Associations, in helping the Department of Education and schools address these threats.(MyTVCebu)