House Speaker Isabela 6th district Rep. Faustino "Bojie" Dy III gave a somber yet resolute take on the deadly shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University in Zamboanga City on Monday, Aug. 18.

Dy viewed the tragic incident not just as a lawmaker, but also as a family man.

"Nakikiramay po tayo nang buong puso sa mga pamilya at mahal sa buhay ng mga batang nasawi sa trahedyang nangyari sa Ateneo de Zamboanga," the Speaker said.

(We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the children who perished in the tragedy at Ateneo de Zamboanga.)

"Bilang ama at lolo, masakit isipin na may mga magulang na naghatid ng anak nila sa paaralan ngayong araw, pero hindi na nila ito makakasamang umuwi," he said.

(As a father and grandfather, it is painful to think of parents who brought their children to school today but will no longer be able to bring them home.)

Authorities said a Grade 9 student armed with two firearms shot and killed another student before taking his own life at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University campus. Two others were injured and hundreds of students were evacuated during the ordeal, which was was disturbingly livestreamed by the shooter.

"Our children are growing up in a world very different from the one we grew up in. They face influences and dangers that many of us did not have to deal with at their age. We owe it to them to understand that world better," Dy said.

More importantly, the House leader underscored that the government's response "must not end with condolences and prayers".

"Kailangan nating maintindihan kung bakit at paano ito nangyari, kung ano ang maaaring nakapigil dito, at kung ano ang dapat nating baguhin para manatiling ligtas ang ating mga anak sa paaralan," he said.

(We need to understand why and how this happened, what could have prevented it, and what must change to keep our children safe in school.)

Dy espoused a more proactive approach and said, "As lawmakers, our work cannot begin only after a tragedy has happened. We have to look for the gaps before another family has to bury a child."

He says response must be guided by facts and evidence. "Makikinig tayo sa mga eksperto at susuriin ang studies, research, at karanasan ng ibang bansa. At higit sa lahat, makikinig tayo sa mga magulang, guro at mismong mga kabataan."

(We will listen to experts and examine studies, research, and the experiences of other countries.And above all, we will listen to parents, teachers, and the young people themselves.)

Dy rallied the legislators to come up with sustainable solutions, not one-offs. "Hindi natin puwedeng iyakan ang trahedyang ito ngayon, tapos kalimutan na lang bukas."

(We cannot simply grieve this tragedy today and forget it tomorrow.)

"Kikilos ang Kongreso nang maagap, batay sa ebidensya, at may paninindigang humanap ng mga solusyong tunay na magbibigay-proteksyon sa ating mga anak," Dy promised.

(Congress will act promptly, based on evidence, and with determination to find solutions that truly protect our children.)

"Sa mga pamilyang nagdadalamhati ngayon, kasama ninyo kami sa sakit at sa panalangin," the veteran solon from Isabela concluded.

(To the families now in mourning, we are with you in your pain and in prayer.)