Education Secretary Sonny Angara on Thursday personally inspected public schools in the Negros Island Region (NIR) to evaluate campus safety protocols, assess facility conditions, and engage directly with teachers and learners.
The visit included stops at Bais City National High School, the largest secondary school in the city, and Basay Central School, one of the oldest public elementary schools in Bayawan City.
These engagements come amid heightened nationwide efforts to fortify school security and learner protection following recent campus security incidents, including the tragic shooting at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University Junior High School campus on August 18.
During his NIR visit, Secretary Angara held dialogues with school administrators, teachers, and learner representatives to hear firsthand their security concerns and psychosocial support needs. He emphasized that physical campus security must go hand-in-hand with mental health support to ensure a safe learning environment.
“Nabalitaan naman natin ang mga nangyari kamakailan at mas nakikita natin kung gaano kahalaga na sabay nating pangalagaan ang physical safety at overall well-being ng ating mga learners,” Angara said.
“Hindi lamang bagong opisina o classroom ang kailangan natin, kundi isang school environment kung saan ligtas, protektado, at komportable ang bawat bata na matuto.”
To address structural security gaps highlighted by the nationwide school security audit, the Department of Education (DepEd) is proposing for its Fiscal Year 2027 budget proposal to cover additional security personnel, security infrastructure, and the deployment of School Counselor Associates.
“Hindi lang physical security ang kailangan nating palakasin. Prevention and recovery also mean making sure that learners have trusted adults and proper support when they need help,” Angara said.
Angara visited Ateneo de Zamboanga University on August 19 to check on the school community and reaffirmed the Department’s continued support for the institution, extending Psychological First Aid (PFA) and psychosocial support in coordination with the school and mental health partners.
DepEd reiterated its call to the public, media, and content creators to exercise restraint and avoid circulating unverified details or sensitive media surrounding the campus violence incident.
DepEd continues to work closely with local government units (LGUs), law enforcement, school administrations, and partner national agencies to strengthen campus safety protocols while enhancing learner protection measures.
