PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called for stronger protection for learners and a united effort against harmful influences on the youth, following the Tacloban school shooting incident that killed three students.
In his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, the president extended his condolences to the families of the three fatalities.
“To the parents of Chris Lorenz Fabian, Joyancee Separa, and Ayessa Nicole Dazo: we are all so very proud of the unflinching bravery and heroic virtue that you have instilled in your children. They are an inspiration to us all,” Marcos said.
“Their courage and their selflessness — true Filipino qualities — are the virtues that these trying times call for,” he added.
Police said the shooting was allegedly linked to prolonged bullying, as well as online radicalization and exposure to violent media.
The president said that protecting children requires the collective efforts of the government, families, schools, churches, industries and communities.
“We must protect them from the harmful influences and forces that exploit their vulnerability: the corrosive influence of fake news; the unfettered exposure to pornography, even to minors; the constant depiction of casual violence; and the toxicity and hate culture pervasive in social media,” he said.
“We must all assume a community responsibility for our young people’s protection,” Marcos added.
The president said the Department of Education (DepEd), local government units, and the Philippine National Police will work together to enhance security in public schools.
The DepEd said 12 other incidents of school violence were recorded since the June 22 San Jose National High School shooting incident in Tacloban City, Leyte. These involved bomb threats, riots, stabbings, and the recovery of firearms and ammunition.
Marcos said DepEd has committed to ensuring that schools have clear and effective mechanisms for reporting and responding to incidents of bullying and other emergencies.
The president added that school principals and teachers are being equipped with the skills to mediate student conflicts before they escalate into violence.
To further support learners’ well-being, Marcos said the government will deploy the first batch of 10,000 school counselor associates to public schools to provide counseling and mental health services.
Marcos announced the continued implementation of the School-Based Feeding Program this school year, which will benefit more than 4.5 million kindergarten, Grade 1, and nutritionally at-risk learners in Grade 2 and higher levels.
