SCHOOL communities across Zamboanga City are mobilizing shared governance networks and local partnerships to reinforce campus security following a recent incident of campus violence.
The initiative directly supports Education Secretary Sonny Angara’s urgent directive to prioritize learner and personnel safety.
The heightened response follows Secretary Angara’s visit to Ateneo de Zamboanga University to address security concerns.
In a subsequent coordination meeting, DepEd Region IX Regional Director Ronelo Al Firmo reiterated the mandate to strengthen school perimeters while prioritizing psychosocial welfare.
“Under the mandate of President Bongbong Marcos, our top priority is to make our schools safe havens for learning,” Angara stated, emphasizing tighter coordination with law enforcement and local officials.
Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos and DILG Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla also visited the city to reinforce inter-agency support.
Key measures being implemented include early threat monitoring, sustained police visibility, stricter campus access controls, and the provision of metal detectors in line with DepEd’s Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment (ESMLE) guidelines.
Following recent online threats, Firmo personally visited Maria Clara L. Lobregat National High School to conduct immediate interventions with parents and administrators.
DepEd sternly warned the public against making prank threats or spreading unverified reports, highlighting that such actions trigger panic and carry severe legal consequences.
The department also urged gun owners to ensure strict household firearm safety to prevent unauthorized access by minors.
School leaders across the city expressed full commitment to the safety drive:
- Eileen Pearl P. Aca-ac (Principal III, Lumbangan Integrated School): Stressed double the vigilance to resolve minor issues before they escalate.
- Raymond Zapanta (Principal II, Lunzuran Elementary School): Noted that a safe environment is a fundamental prerequisite for effective learning.
- Maribel F. Bernardo (Principal II, Maasin Integrated School): Highlighted strong community collaboration and classroom-level emotional check-ins.
In partnership with DSWD and DOH, DepEd has deployed personnel to provide Psychological First Aid (PFA) and support sessions to affected students and staff under a whole-of-nation approach.
