City holds multi-agency meeting on school safety

CEBU, Philippines — In the aftermath of violent incidents in schools across the country, the Cebu City government has intensified its campaign to safeguard learners, convening a multi-agency coordination meeting at City Hall to reinforce school safety and student welfare programs.

Mayor Nestor Archival led the session on Thursday, June 25, with representatives from the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), the Liga ng mga Barangay, the Local School Board, and the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation.

“We convened this meeting to strengthen our collective efforts in ensuring school safety and student welfare,” Archival said.

The mayor stressed that the challenges confronting young people are not limited to physical threats.

“We must look deeper into the mental, emotional, and social realities faced by today’s children and youth,” he added.

He also stressed the need for unity across sectors.

“Padayon ta sa lig-on nga panagtinabangay aron maprotektahan ang kaayohan sa atong mga estudyante ug masiguro nga ang atong mga eskwelahan magpabiling luwas, andam, ug

maayong lugar sa pagkat-on alang sa tanang Sugboanon,” he said.

The initiative was prompted by the Tacloban City school shooting on June 22, which left three students dead and several others wounded, and knife attacks in Cavite that injured multiple learners.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a probe into the incidents, while DepEd declared a “high-alert” status and deployed psychosocial support teams.

In Cebu, Archival had earlier met with police officials to increase visibility in schools.

The latest meeting expanded coordination to include education agencies, barangay leaders, and youth representatives, ensuring a broader approach to prevention.

Stakeholders identified bullying, gang involvement, cyber-related risks, and excessive online gaming as urgent concerns.

DepEd proposed conducting student mental health assessments to guide preventive programs and interventions.

Archival emphasized the importance of evidence-based solutions.

“We will work closely with psychologists, psychiatrists, guidance counselors, mental health practitioners, child development experts, and other stakeholders to develop preventive programs for our schools,” he said.

The meeting also highlighted the role of guidance counselors, psychologists, and psychometricians in addressing behavioral and emotional concerns in schools.

In a related announcement, Archival invited mental health professionals and child development advocates to join a collaborative dialogue.

“One of my priorities as your Mayor is to ensure that every child in Cebu City learns in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment,” he said.

“Your knowledge, experience, and compassion can make a lasting impact on the lives of our young people,” Archival added.

Volunteers were asked to contact Carmel Amigable at 0966 249 1484 or message councilor Michelle Cellona’s Facebook page. (CEBU NEWS)