Two public schools in Tigbauan, Iloilo, have required students to use transparent bags as part of their strengthened security measures.
Parara National High School (NHS) and Parara Elementary School introduced the new policy following consultations with parents and other stakeholders.
The use of transparent bags expedites entry inspections, allowing school guards to instantly spot prohibited items without conducting time-consuming manual searches.
The policy comes after fatal shootings at Ateneo de Zamboanga on Aug. 18, and San Jose National High School in Tacloban City on June 22.
In a radio interview, Schools Division of Iloilo spokesperson Leonil Salvilla clarified that requiring transparent bags is not a nationwide directive from the Department of Education (DepEd).
He said that while the policy does not compromise student safety and privacy, the decision to implement it remains entirely at the discretion of individual schools.
According to Salvilla, if there are students who cannot afford to buy transparent bags, the school must find alternative ways so that they are not affected by the policy.
He cited clear plastic envelopes as an accessible option for students unable to purchase the required bags.IMT
