Following a series of violent incidents in the country’s schools, Senate President Win Gatchalian is pushing for the passage of the Comprehensive School Safety Act (Senate Bill No. 2426), which will create the National Comprehensive School Safety Framework.
The latest incident occurred at Banga National High School in South Cotabato.
The Department of Education (DepEd), in coordination with various government agencies, including local government units, shall lead in establishing, maintaining, and periodic updating of this framework, which shall prescribe standards for the prevention of, response to, and recovery from threats and incidents relating to school safety.
“Senate Bill No. 2426 shall require every school to develop and annually update a School Safety Plan to localize and operationalize the school safety framework.”
The proposed measure shall require every school to develop and annually update a School Safety Plan to localize and operationalize the school safety framework. Schools shall also prepare and regularly update a School Safety Handbook outlining policies, procedures, emergency information, and learner support services.
The School Safety Handbook shall also include the School Code of Conduct to clearly define unacceptable acts, as well as the corresponding disciplinary and restorative interventions.
“Hindi sapat ang reactive response.”
“Hindi sapat ang reactive response,” said Gatchalian, co-author and co-sponsor of the measure.
“Kailangan nating maging proactive — kilalanin ang mga banta, pigilan ang insidente bago mangyari, at tiyaking ligtas ang bawat paaralan,” the veteran legislator concluded.
