The Department of Education-Negros Island Region (NIR) is set to map out a comprehensive framework to ensure the safety of schools in the region while continuing to implement existing measures to protect the learners.
DepEd-NIR spokesperson Almyr Caesar Dequiña said on Friday, June 26, that before the opening of classes on June 8, a memorandum was issued by Regional Director Ramir Uytico to ensure the safe return of learners for the school year 2026-2027.
“This is our directive to our 22 schools division offices (SDOs) to protect learners from any form of abuse and violence,” Dequiña said.
On Thursday, Uytico met with National Police Commission-NIR Director Owen de Luna at the DepEd-NIR regional office in Dumaguete City to discuss initiatives for intensified emergency preparedness and security in public schools.
Proposals include the integration of the Dial 911 emergency hotline in schools as well as simultaneous crisis drills and safety orientations for school administrators.
In the next DepEd-NIR Regional Management Committee Meeting, De Luna and officials of the Philippine National Police will participate in mapping out a comprehensive safety framework for schools in Negros and Siquijor.
These responses came on the heels of violent incidents involving students within and around school campuses, including the stabbing incident outside the school that injured a Grade 9 student of Julio Ledesma National High School in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental on June 23.
Also on Thursday, DepEd-NIR Assistant Regional Director Anthony Liobet visited the SDO in San Carlos City to extend support and also checked on the injured learner confined at the city hospital.
Together with the head and case manager of the City Social Welfare and Development Office, he discussed appropriate interventions for the victim, the alleged assailant, and the school community.
Liobet coordinated with the representatives of the San Carlos City Police Station to strengthen collaboration and response efforts, such as the conduct of symposia and information dissemination activities for learners and parents to promote awareness on safety, conflict prevention, and maintaining a secure school community.
“We reiterate the importance of implementing DepEd Order (DO) No. 6, series of 2026. Schools must be guided by the policy provisions in addressing learner protection concerns and ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment,” he said.
DO 2026 outlines the guidelines for ensuring a safe and motivating learning environment, aiming to protect learners from any incident related to learner rights and protection concerns, including bullying and gender-based violence, among others.
Dequiña said the DepEd-NIR also initiated the PEACE or Powering, Empathy, Acceptance and Connection Everyday campaign, which institutionalizes the utilization of PEACE film entries from the SDOs, focusing on anti-bullying and promoting safe schools.
“We would like to emphasize that we maintain a zero-tolerance policy against any form of violence, and the safety of our learners remains our top-most priority. In coordination with our local government units, agencies and stakeholders, we continue to review our school safety systems and identify areas where we can strengthen them,” he added.*PNA
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