DepEd Chief Calls for Enhanced Campus Security, Mental Health Support After Fatal Shooting

Education Secretary Sonny Angara on Saturday urged for stronger multi-sectoral security cooperation and proactive mental health support for students during a visit to Banga National High School, following a fatal shooting incident on campus. Angara met with school officials, parents, local leaders, and police officers to coordinate emergency response efforts and assess security gaps. The visit served as a crucial opportunity to reaffirm the importance of student safety and mental well-being. Mental health issues among the youth in the Philippines have become increasingly serious in recent years, making on-site school interventions a pressing need. In light of the recent incident, the Department of Education is considering measures such as strengthening measures to prevent unauthorized access to schools, promoting the installation of surveillance cameras, and increasing the number of school counselors, along with enhancing mental health awareness programs. The department also aims to foster an environment where schools are protected by the entire community by deepening collaboration with local communities. Philippine educational settings face various challenges, including economic disparities and social stress, which can affect students. This incident has underscored the critical importance of not only security measures but also the mental care of students.