THE Sum-ag National High School in Bacolod City has intensified security measures to ensure the safety of learners, staff, and teachers. (Ang Kandili)
BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Greg Gasataya met the local school board here on Tuesday, June 30, to discuss measures to strengthen the safety of schools and protecting students following recent school-related violence.
Expressing concern over the impact of the incidents on students' well-being, Gasataya said he hopes such cases will not become a recurring trend.
He emphasized that parents play the primary role in guiding their children at home, while teachers have a significant responsibility in addressing students' needs in school.
The mayor, in a media interview, said he has requested a list of all public school teachers and personnel in this city to determine if existing manpower is sufficient to help address students' mental health concerns. "The approach needs to be collective and general," he added.
As part of the city's enhanced security measures, Gasataya said the local government will provide walk-through metal scanners to schools to complement existing safety protocols.
He added that school-based emergency response teams will also be trained in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd) and disaster management officers to improve preparedness.
The Bacolod City Police Office has maintained the deployment of police personnel in schools to increase visibility and ensure security since the opening of classes on June 8.
Gasataya said the BCPO assured that more officers will be assigned once a new batch of policemen graduates. The city government is assessing additional security measures to further enhance campus safety.
The DepEd-Negros Island Region (NIR) has intensified its Powering Empathy, Acceptance, and Connection Everyday (PEACE) campaign through simultaneous school visits and student-led anti-bullying activities.
Dr. Ramir Uytico, DepEd-NIR director, said that PEACE should start in every school in NIR and urged teachers and school officials to ensure that learners recite the bully-free pledge during flag ceremony.
The campaign, implemented under Regional Memorandum No. 139, Series of 2025, promotes anti-bullying initiatives by encouraging students to advocate harmony, peer support, and a zero-tolerance policy against abuse and violence.
The agency said it aims to help curb school violence and ensure that schools remain safe, nurturing, and conducive learning environments for all students.