Transparent bags eyed to help deter violence in schools

Local

A SEE-THROUGH school bag may soon help Mandaue schools keep a closer eye on what students bring to campus.

The Department of Education (DepEd) Mandaue City Division is considering transparent bags as one of several measures to strengthen school security and prevent violence, Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Bianito Dagatan said.

Dagatan said transparent bags could complement other security measures, including walkthrough systems, handheld metal detectors, security cameras and additional security personnel.

“Ang pagtan-aw nato sa kani nga situationwe are not looking into one solution. Tanan’g possible solution i-implement sa school taking into consideration ang main goal is prevention,” Dagatan said.

He said schools are also looking at measures that address students’ emotional and mental preparedness, as well as stronger coordination with parents, authorities and other stakeholders.

School heads may adopt measures suited to their circumstances, particularly when parents agree to them.

Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepcion-Mandaue is among the schools preparing to require transparent bags for students after temporarily shifting to online classes for one week as a precautionary measure.

CIC-Mandaue Director Rotie Gabuya said the school consulted its Parents-Teachers Association, with most parents supporting the transparent-bag policy.

The school also conducts manual bag checks and uses metal detectors.

Dagatan said at least one public school in Mandaue has already started using transparent bags, although achieving full compliance may take time.

The measures were discussed during a coordination meeting between DepEd-Mandaue and schools on Aug. 24 as officials prepared for a proposed nationwide simultaneous school safety drill for active attack incidents.

Mandaue Mayor Thadeo “Jonkie” Ouano said school safety also requires closer involvement from parents, particularly in monitoring their children’s activities and access to social media and mobile phones.

“Everything starts at home. Close monitoring sa atoang anak, atoa man ning responsibility as parents. Atoa gusto is prevention,” Ouano said.

Ouano said metal detectors and other security measures could help keep dangerous items out of schools but would not completely eliminate the risk of an attack.

He called for a broader preventive approach involving parents, school personnel, students and law enforcement.

In neighboring Lapu-Lapu City, authorities are also reviewing school security and emergency response measures following recent active attack incidents involving educational institutions.

The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office met with the DepEd Lapu-Lapu City Division, Lapu-Lapu City Police Office, City Traffic Management Services, Bureau of Fire Protection and other agencies to assess existing safety measures and contingency plans.

The city is preparing for the Nationwide Simultaneous School Safety Drill for Active Attack Incidents on Sept. 3. Five pilot schools—Babag, Marigondon, Mactan, Pusok and Sta. Rosa—will take part in the initial implementation, covering junior and senior high schools.

The pilot schools will undergo a pre-orientation and tabletop exercise involving school representatives, PTAs, emergency responders, police, firefighters, traffic personnel and other agencies.

Mandatory bag checking is also being implemented in Lapu-Lapu City schools in line with DepEd policies.

Lapu-Lapu City Police Chief Col. Agosto Daskeo said threats involving schools would undergo proper assessment and investigation, with police continuing to coordinate with concerned agencies.(MyTVCebu)