PRO-NIR boosts school security for class opening

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region has deployed 1,612 personnel to help ensure the safety of students, teachers, school personnel, parents, and commuters for the opening of classes on Monday, June 8.

“As we welcome another school year, PRO-NIR stands united with our educators, parents, and communities in ensuring that every learner can pursue education in a safe, secure, and peaceful environment,” acting regional director Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño said.

Cardiño said the regional police office wants every child to enter the classroom with confidence, every parent to have peace of mind, and every school to remain a safe space where learning and opportunity can thrive.

The deployment began last week in time for Brigada Eskwela on June 1, a week before the official opening of classes.

PRO-NIR deployed police personnel to public and private schools across the region, covering Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.

The deployment also covers major thoroughfares, transportation terminals, pedestrian crossings, and other key areas to maintain peace and order and provide immediate public assistance.

Police assistance desks, foot patrol officers, and mobile patrol teams were also deployed to enhance police visibility and support the smooth and orderly conduct of Balik Eskwela 2026 activities.

Personnel were also tasked with managing traffic, monitoring areas with high student concentration, and coordinating closely with school authorities, local government units, and partner agencies to promptly address security concerns and other emergencies.

Cardiño emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring the success of this year’s Balik Eskwela activities.

He encouraged the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities or safety concerns to police personnel on the ground or to the nearest police station for immediate response and appropriate action.

The Department of Education has set the opening of school year 2026–2027 on June 8, with the school year to run until April 8, 2027, under a new three-term basic education calendar.

On June 1, the Department of Education-Negros Island Region kicked off Brigada Eskwela across the region in a program hosted by the Schools Division Office of Talisay City in Negros Occidental.

The event also marked the milestone debut of the Talisay City SDO as the newest schools division office in the newly established region.

In her address, DepEd Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Fatima Lipp Panontongan emphasized the agency’s efforts to strengthen the country’s basic education system.

Among the key national initiatives she highlighted were the institutionalization of the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning Program to address learning gaps and the aggressive hiring of additional teaching and nonteaching personnel to support educators and ease administrative burdens.

Panontongan lauded the local community and praised stakeholders, from local government units to private volunteers, for their direct contribution to the holistic development of learners.

She said the success of these programs relies heavily on the collective strength of grassroots partners.

DepEd-NIR also launched its flagship PEACE Park, which stands for Powering Empathy, Acceptance and Connection Everyday.

The project was conceptualized by DepEd-NIR Director Ramir Uytico.

DepEd-NIR said the park serves as a symbol of harmony and understanding, aligning with Talisay City’s vision of creating gentle, supportive spaces where students can feel safe and inspired.

Talisay City Mayor Rowena “Weng” Lizares said the city’s commitment to the youth remains unwavering, citing programs such as school subsidies, full support for students excelling in academics, culture, and sports, and the provision of modern equipment and facilities to create safe, inspiring, and conducive learning environments.