Las Piñas Council backs safe schools, child protection ordinance
Councilor Alelee Aguilar, chairperson of the Committee on Education, presents the proposed Las Piñas City Safe Schools and Child Protection Ordinance of 2026 during the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (Photo courtesy of Las Piñas PIO)
The Las Piñas City Council has unanimously expressed support for the proposed Las Piñas City Safe Schools and Child Protection Ordinance of 2026, a measure aimed at strengthening student safety, child protection, mental health services, and violence prevention in all public and private schools in the city.
Councilor Alelee Aguilar, chairperson of the Committee on Education, introduced the proposed ordinance during the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod on Tuesday, July 14.
Aguilar said the measure seeks to establish a comprehensive school safety framework by strengthening child protection systems, expanding school-based mental health and psychosocial support services, and intensifying efforts to prevent bullying, violence, and other threats to students.
The proposal comes amid growing public concern over incidents of school bullying, youth violence, and school shootings reported in various parts of the country.
Under the proposed ordinance, schools will be required to strengthen child protection mechanisms, establish behavioral threat assessment teams, implement anonymous reporting systems for violence and abuse, conduct violence prevention programs, and provide restorative justice interventions for children identified as at risk.
The measure also seeks to create the Las Piñas City School Safety and Student Wellness Council, which will coordinate policies and programs involving schools, barangays, parents, law enforcement agencies, health professionals, and other stakeholders to ensure a unified approach to campus safety and student welfare.
Aguilar said the proposed ordinance adopts a preventive, child-centered, and whole-of-community approach that emphasizes early intervention, family engagement, rehabilitation, and accountability.
"If we truly want safer schools, we must invest not only in security but also in our children's mental health, positive values, and strong partnerships among families, schools, government, and the community. Every child deserves to learn in an environment free from fear, violence, and bullying," Aguilar said.