DepEd-7 calls for collective effort to ensure student safety

Local

FOLLOWING the deadly school shooting in Tacloban City, education officials in Central Visayas are calling for a more comprehensive approach to student safety, stressing that the responsibility of protecting children extends beyond school campuses.

Department of Education-Central Visayas (DepEd-7) Director Dr. Arturo Bayocot said the June 22 incident underscores the need for parents, communities, local leaders, and law enforcement agencies to work together in guiding and safeguarding young people.

In response, local government units across Cebu have started reassessing campus security measures and strengthening coordination with education authorities and police to help prevent similar incidents.

“Let us remember, it takes the entire village to educate, protect, and nurture the child,” Bayocot said.

Bayocot said DepEd-7 would meet with school division superintendents and other key officials to discuss the incident and review existing measures intended to keep learners and school personnel safe.

While describing the Tacloban shooting as an isolated case, Bayocot stressed that no school should assume it is exempt from similar threats.

“I would even say that's an isolated case but that does not exempt anyone or any school in the entire country. So we really have to be very sensitive about it,” he said.

Bayocot said schools across Central Visayas have already been implementing a “360-degree initiative” focused on creating safe and conducive learning environments. Security measures vary among schools and include the deployment of security guards and stricter monitoring systems.

“Our primordial concern in the Department of Education is really the safety and security of our school children," he said.

However, Bayocot emphasized that campus security alone cannot address the deeper issues affecting students, underscoring the importance of communication, mentorship, and values formation.

“Because values are not taught, they are caught,” Bayocot said.

He added that schools need support from families and communities to effectively protect children and reinforce positive behavior.

“DepEd is just there, but it really needs a support system from all sectors of the community,” he said.

The call for collective action came as schools in Cebu intensified security protocols following the Tacloban attack, which left three students dead and several others injured.

In Mandaue City, the DepEd Division Office reminded school heads to strictly enforce DepEd Order No. 6, Series of 2026, which outlines guidelines for maintaining safe and conducive learning environments.

The policy requires non-contact inspections at school entrances, the use of metal detectors by security personnel, and stricter screening of students, employees, parents, and visitors.

DepEd Mandaue Legal Officer Atty. Marinel Oro said schools were also directed to strengthen coordination with the city government and ensure proper verification of everyone entering school premises.

“Atong gi ensure karon ang ni entry kaila ta unsa ilang tuyo and ma inspect nga wala silay gidala nga nga prohibited items,” Oro said.

She stressed that schools remain designated zones of peace and must continue to prevent firearms and other prohibited items from entering campuses.

In Cebu City, Councilor Paul Labra called for a comprehensive review of school security and violence prevention measures, saying recent incidents have highlighted the need for stronger collaboration among educators, local governments, mental health professionals, parents, barangay officials, and law enforcement agencies.

“School violence is not merely a security issue. It is often the manifestation of deeper societal challenges,” Labra said.

Meanwhile, Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro directed the Cebu Provincial Police Office to study additional safety measures for schools, including increased police visibility, regular inspections, intensified mobile patrols, and closer monitoring of fraternities, sororities, and gangs.

She also ordered discussions on school safety to be taken up by the Provincial Peace and Order Council and urged parents to monitor their children's online activities.

“Bantayan jud nato ang atong mga bata, especially in social media karon,” Baricuatro said.

Authorities in Eastern Visayas earlier confirmed that the Tacloban shooting is being treated as a premeditated attack allegedly planned for at least a month.

Investigators are also examining possible warning signs, including online activity and exposure to violent content, as part of the ongoing probe.(MyTVCebu)