‘WE CAN ONLY DO SO MUCH’: DepEd-6 calls parents, LGUs to step up role in protecting learners

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Department of Education Western Visayas (DepEd-6) has called for stronger collaboration among families, schools, and local governments in the wake of the fatal school shooting in Tacloban City.

DepEd-6 information officer Hernani Escullar Jr. said the education sector alone cannot fully address student safety and that a whole-of-society approach is needed.

“We can only do so much. Our parents also play a vital role in ensuring that their children are not involved in any type of incident or any bad vices in our schools,” he told Daily Guardian on Tuesday, June 23.

Escullar said stronger coordination among schools, parents, and local authorities is necessary to prevent similar incidents.

“It is going to be a whole-of-community approach. If parents monitor their children and see the need for intervention, we in DepEd are here to provide support to help the child,” he added.

He noted that while DepEd has existing guidelines prohibiting the use of cellphones and other portable electronic devices during instructional hours, parents have better control of their children’s phone usage at home.

Authorities said one of the minors involved in the Tacloban shooting had played “Gorebox,” an online game with shooting elements and firearms. The game is rated for ages 18 and older.

Escullar encouraged schools to coordinate with local government units and stakeholders to strengthen security measures, including the possible procurement of metal detectors and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras on school premises.

“[They can coordinate with] the local officials in procuring metal detectors in our schools and CCTVs in our school perimeters, especially in entrance and exit areas and areas where students converge,” he said.

Iloilo City National High School has equipped most of its buildings and classrooms with CCTV systems, supported by security guards, radio communication devices, and metal detectors.

DepEd-6 said schools should implement heightened security protocols, including regular area inspections and bag checks for students and visitors.

Escullar stressed, however, that bag inspections must follow the Child Protection Policy.

“The child should be the one opening the bag. It is the child who will show what is in the bag,” he said.

If a bag contains suspicious items, Escullar said these must be handled discreetly and referred to authorities for necessary intervention and action.

“Schools should have proactive measures and one of those is to ensure law enforcement visibility, especially in outside perimeters, because it is a way to avoid a deterrent against activities that bring harm to the students,” he added.

He also reminded school heads to strictly enforce anti-bullying policies and ensure that learners are informed of their rights and the offices where they can report concerns.

Escullar said schools must strengthen learner protection mechanisms, including guidance offices, designated focal persons, and learner rights protection coordinators.

“In case there are bullying-related concerns, there are go-to persons at the school level,” he added.