Department of Education (DepEd-6) officials has emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among schools, families, communities, and government agencies to ensure the safety of learners.
DepEd-6 Regional Director Cristito A. Eco said school safety remains a priority following the recent shooting incident in Tacloban City, which he described as a wake-up call for stakeholders to strengthen efforts in preventing violence involving learners.
“School safety is a shared responsibility,” he stressed.
According to Eco, preventing violence requires understanding learners’ circumstances and identifying risks early.
The regional director noted that factors such as family challenges, emotional distress, harmful peer influences, social isolation, and exposure to negative online content may contribute to incidents involving young people.
Officials also discussed measures aimed at strengthening school safety, including child protection mechanisms, anti-bullying initiatives, mental health and psychosocial support services, and coordination with local government units and other stakeholders.
DepEd-6 reported 966 bullying cases in Western Visayas during the previous school year, with about 95 percent already resolved through interventions and action plans. Physical bullying was the most commonly reported case, followed by cyberbullying.Carla Eunice Guevara, WVSU-COC intern
