Negros Occidental governor urges safer school campuses

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson has urged school heads, administrators, and managers of public and private educational institutions to remain vigilant and committed to maintaining safe and secure campuses.

Lacson expressed deep concern over recent school-related violence within and around campuses.

“These incidents were deeply disturbing and serve as a stark reminder of our shared responsibility to protect our children,” he said in a statement.

Last Tuesday, a Grade 10 student allegedly stabbed and injured his Grade 9 schoolmate after class dismissal outside Julio Ledesma National High School in Barangay 2, San Carlos City.

Police said the incident stemmed from grudges linked to a dispute between rival teenage groups.

The incident is being investigated by police in coordination with the school and the families of the learners involved.

Lacson stressed that schools are meant to be places of learning, growth, and opportunity — environments where students feel safe, respected, and free to pursue their education without fear.

He said learner safety requires more than policies and protocols, calling for active leadership and close coordination with parents, local government units, law enforcement agencies, and the community.

Lacson encouraged the public to foster a culture of discipline, respect, responsibility, and nonviolence among the youth, stressing that student welfare is a shared responsibility.

“Let us continue working together to ensure that our schools remain places where young people can learn, develop their potential, and build their future in a safe and secure environment,” he said.