Mandaue DepEd open to use of transparent bags

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) Mandaue City Division is open to the use of transparent bags in schools as one measure to strengthen school safety, but Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Bianito Dagatan said it cannot be immediately imposed across all schools.

Dagatan said the initiative could help prevent school violence, but its wider implementation would depend on available funding and the agreement of parents.

“For a start, we cannot say nga all parents can comply kay magkinahanglan pod baya og funding and budget,” Dagatan said.

He said schools should not rely on a single measure to address school safety concerns, adding that different possible interventions should be considered, with prevention as the main goal.

At least one public school in Mandaue has already started implementing the use of transparent bags, although Dagatan said full compliance cannot be expected immediately because of the financial requirements.

“Dili diha-diha dayon 100% mu-follow kay kinahanglan man og funding,” he said.

Dagatan also said school heads may adopt the measure if it is agreed upon by parents and deemed beneficial to students.

“Part pod sa principal empowerment and school management that if they agree among the parents… they can implement it,” he said.

The statement came after Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepcion-Mandaue and a public school in Barangay Jagobiao announced plans to require learners to use transparent bags.

In a separate interview, CIC-Mandaue Director Rotie Gabuya said the proposal was discussed during a coordination meeting with the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA), where the use of transparent bags by students and personnel was proposed “for easy checking and monitoring.”

Gabuya said the majority of parents agreed with the proposal.

Dagatan, however, emphasized that transparent bags are only one of several possible measures that schools can adopt to improve security.

He cited physical security measures such as walkthroughs, handheld metal detectors, and security cameras, as well as emotional and mental preparation and the role of parents in guiding their children.

“Daghang kaayo and dili lang pwede nga usa lang ka angle atong tan-awon, daghan atong tan-awon regarding this issue,” Dagatan said. — (FREEMAN)