SEN. Christopher “Bong” Go reiterated his call for the enactment of a measure requiring functional clinics in every public elementary and secondary school nationwide, following the fatal stabbing of a Grade 9 student in Las Piñas National High School.
The renewed call is in connection with the death of a 13-year-old student who was allegedly stabbed by his fellow 14-year-old schoolmate inside their school.
In a statement, Go said that educational institutions must protect learners from violence and be prepared to provide immediate first aid during emergencies.
Under Senate Bill 1780, or the proposed Mandatory School Clinics Act, school clinics will be assessed and upgraded.
Each clinic would provide basic medical, dental, nursing, first-aid, and emergency services to students, teachers, and school personnel.
The proposed clinics would also conduct health screenings and monitoring, disease-prevention activities, health education, and nutrition assessment and counseling.
They would be equipped with adequate medicines, medical supplies, sanitation facilities, first-aid materials, and emergency response equipment.
The measure seeks to ensure that each clinic is staffed by at least one school nurse or another qualified health professional under the supervision of the Department of Education (DepEd) and in coordination with the Department of Health and concerned local government units.
“Having a room called a clinic is not enough. It should have the necessary equipment and medicines, a clear emergency protocol, and a health professional ready to respond when someone gets injured or becomes ill,” Go said.
The senator previously cited the limited number of public schools with functional clinics, leaving many learners without immediate access to basic medical services during school hours.
His proposal prioritizes schools without existing clinics, campuses with large student populations, schools in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, and those located in disaster-prone communities.
Go said school clinics are needed not only for common illnesses experienced during class hours but also for serious incidents in which immediate first aid and rapid referral could affect a patient’s chances of survival.
He also urged schools to establish clear coordination arrangements with nearby hospitals, local health offices, ambulance services, barangay responders, and law enforcement agencies.
“Every teacher and school personnel should know whom to call, where to bring the patient, and what to do while waiting for the medical responders,” he said.
Go urged the DepEd, local governments, and school administrators to immediately review their security systems and emergency medical arrangements even while the proposed Mandatory School Clinics Act remains under consideration.
The senator called for a complete and impartial investigation that would determine accountability while observing the laws governing children in conflict with the law.
“We cannot bring back the life that was lost, but it is our responsibility to find out what happened and take concrete steps to prevent it from happening again,” Go said.
“Children must be protected from violence and have access to immediate medical assistance in the event of an emergency,” he added.
Last week, Go, through his team, extended financial assistance to the bereaved family to help with immediate and funeral-related expenses.
He also conveyed his condolences and sympathies to the family following the student’s death.
Go said the investigation must determine how the bladed weapon was brought inside the school and whether existing inspection and safety procedures were properly implemented.
