Police say opening of classes in Negros Island Region peaceful
CLASSES at Zamboaguita Central Elementary School in Negros Oriental open on Monday, June 16. (DepEd-NIR FB)
BACOLOD CITY – The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region reported that the opening of classes in the region for school year 2025-2026 on Monday was peaceful and orderly.
Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, said that no incidents marred the opening of classes in Negros Occidental, including this highly-urbanized city, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.
Ibay said that 85 percent of police personnel in the region was deployed to ensure the safety of students and manage traffic. “This is in line with the directive of PNP chief Police Gen. Nicolas Torre III on intensified police visibility,” he added.
The Bacolod Traffic Management Division mobilized its enforcers to manage here.
Thousands of learners returned to classrooms across the region, from coastal communities to far-flung upland barangays.
DepEd-NIR Regional Director Dr. Ramir Uytico recognized the efforts of school leaders and field officials and emphasized the importance of readiness, presence, and purposeful support during the first day of classes.
We are called once again to nurture minds, inspire hearts, and remain resilient in fulfilling our mandate of delivering quality education to every Filipino learner, he said.
He stressed the need to ensure that all teachers are prepared to deliver more engaging and meaningful learning sessions from the very first day.
“This is how we demonstrate our resolve – not only through presence, but through purposeful action,” he said.
As one DepEd-Negros Island Region, we must continue to build schools that are safe, inclusive, and learner-centered, Uytico said.
Let us be steadfast in our service, grounded in our values, and driven by the goal of uplifting every child entrusted to our care, he added.