Tacloban school reopens after shooting, but trauma lingers

San Jose National High School (SJNHS) in Tacloban City resumed classes on July 6, two weeks after a fatal shooting on June 22 that claimed the lives of three students and wounded 20 others. Despite the reopening, many in the community, including students and staff, continue to grapple with the trauma of the incident. To aid in the students' recovery, the school has repainted its walls and organized entertainment. Education Undersecretary Malcolm Garma reported to the Senate basic education committee that Grades 7 and 8 students are now attending in-person classes, while Grades 9 and 10 are on a blended learning system due to ongoing classroom repairs. The shooting was carried out by two minors, aged 14 and 15. Garma stated that 235 out of 336 Grade 7 students and 237 out of 369 Grade 8 students have returned for face-to-face classes. Those unable to attend will be provided with learning modules and online activities. The Department of Education (DepEd) Tacloban City Schools Division anticipates lower attendance as some students are still recovering from trauma or have opted for school transfers. "The resumption of classes would somehow establish normalcy in the school and provide that level of confidence also to our parents and to the community that the school is safe," Garma told senators, adding that the aim is "to remove the trauma, the psychosocial and emotional trauma that our teachers, our learners have experienced because of this incident." Security measures have been enhanced with additional metal detectors and a walkthrough detector, along with the ongoing construction of a higher perimeter fence. The two minors involved are in the custody of the Regional Rehabilitation Center for the Youth in Tanauan, Leyte. Following the incident, DepEd provided initial Psychological First Aid (PFA) to students, teachers, and parents. Out of 603 students who received PFA, 38 were assessed as "high-risk" for mental health crises. These individuals are under ongoing follow-up and monitoring by specialists. Julienne Rose Peñaranda-Saballa, a guidance counselor with DepEd Tacloban City Schools Division, emphasized the importance of supporting high-risk students and teachers to facilitate their healing and return to academics, fostering hope for a safe and brighter future. She stressed that continued psychiatric consultations and psychosocial activities are crucial to prevent long-term academic, personal, and social impacts. It was also reported that students recently discharged from hospitals and those who were not ready for mental health services during the initial intervention are now receiving PFA. Since SJNHS lacks a licensed guidance counselor, the DepEd Tacloban City Schools Division is responsible for PFA and long-term interventions. Saballa advocated for the implementation of the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act (Republic Act No. 12080), calling for the reclassification of existing DepEd registered guidance counselors and the hiring of school counselor associates, a measure that remains unimplemented nearly two years after the law's signing in December 2024.