PRO-6 taps youth to help build safer schools

By Jennifer P. Rendon

ILOILO CITY — There is much that young people can do to help make schools safer.

Police Regional Office 6 Director Police Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño highlighted the role of young people in building safer learning environments during the 32nd National Crime Prevention Week celebration and Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team Capability Enhancement Training in Western Visayas.

Amid threats in schools and the involvement of juveniles in crimes, Tuaño advocated partnerships and prevention measures to promote safer learning environments.

Part of the activity was the launch of the Youth Safety Watch initiative at Boracay National High School in Malay, Aklan.

Undertaken in partnership with the Malay Municipal Police Station and the Malay municipal government through the Municipal Peace and Order Council and Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council, the school-based initiative encourages students to become positive role models and peer advocates.

Students are encouraged to promote responsible behavior, look out for their fellow students, and know when and where to seek help.

Rather than taking on an enforcement role, students are guided to contribute to a safer and more supportive school environment through awareness, cooperation, and responsible action.

Tuaño said involving the youth in crime prevention is an important part of creating safer schools and communities.

“Prevention begins with awareness, good guidance, and the willingness to look out for one another. We want our young people to be confident, responsible, and informed enough to know when to speak up and when to ask for help,” he added.

Tuaño stressed that school safety is best achieved when police, teachers, parents, students, and the community work together.

“We cannot do this alone. Our schools are safer when everyone has a role—teachers who guide, parents who listen, police officers who respond, and young people who make responsible choices and care for one another,” he said.

The activity reflects the continuing partnership between the Philippine National Police and the Department of Education in strengthening appropriate interventions, awareness programs, and security measures in schools.

The initiative also seeks to prevent violence and other incidents through early intervention and community participation.

The 32nd National Crime Prevention Week, observed from Sept. 1 to 7, carries the theme “Strengthening Civilian Oversight and Collective Action for Safer Communities,” underscoring crime prevention as a shared responsibility among government institutions and communities.

PRO-6 also reminded students, parents, and the public to promptly raise safety concerns with proper school authorities or police, avoid sharing unverified information, and refrain from actions that may create unnecessary fear or conflict.

Parents and guardians were likewise encouraged to maintain open communication with their children and seek assistance when concerns arise.