SEN. Mark Villar has pushed for stronger mental health programs in schools after visiting the Grade 8 student who remained hospitalized after suffering multiple stab wounds from a stabbing attack that occurred shortly after classes near the Las Piñas National High School.
During the visit, Villar checked on the student's condition and extended assistance to the victim's family as she continues to receive medical treatment.
"I personally visited the victim to check on her condition and to provide assistance to her family. We will continue to pray for her speedy and complete recovery," Villar said.
The incident, which has sparked concern among parents, educators, and local officials, has renewed calls for stronger measures to address violence involving minors and to improve campus safety. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Villar said the incident should serve as a wake-up call for society to confront the growing problem of youth violence, stressing that every child deserves to learn, grow, and pursue their dreams in a safe and nurturing environment.
"We cannot allow violence to become normal among our children. Together, we must end the culture of violence and replace it with a culture of care, respect, and compassion," he said.
The senator emphasized that preventing similar incidents requires more than enhanced security in and around schools. He underscored the need to strengthen mental health services, guidance counseling, and youth intervention programs to address the root causes of violence before they escalate.
"We need to strengthen our mental health, guidance counseling, and youth intervention programs. We must guide our youth, listen to their experiences, and provide them with adequate support and opportunities to steer them away from the path of violence," Villar said.
Villar also renewed his appeal for the immediate passage of his proposed Students' Guidance Counseling Act, a measure seeking to strengthen school-based mental health programs by expanding access to licensed guidance counselors, psychologists, school social workers, and psychosocial support services in educational institutions nationwide.
According to the senator, improving access to mental health and guidance services will help equip young people with the support they need to make sound decisions and build a brighter future.
"When we strengthen mental health support and guidance for our youth, we will better empower them to make good decisions and have a brighter future. It is the responsibility of all of us — parents, teachers, government, and the entire community — to ensure that every youth grows up in a safe, caring, and hopeful environment," Villar said.
The senator expressed hope for the student's full recovery and reiterated his commitment to advancing policies that promote student welfare, mental health, and safer learning environments across the country.
