E. Samar gov urges stronger LGU-school ties on safety

TACLOBAN  CITY, Philippines — Eastern Samar Gov. Ralph Vincent Evardone has called for stronger cooperation between local governments and the education sector to address school safety concerns and ensure that students receive the support they need to learn and thrive.

Evardone made the call during the Department of Education (DepEd) Eastern Visayas’ 6th Regional Management Committee (Remancom) meeting on Aug. 27 in Borongan City, where education officials assessed the performance, challenges, and support requirements of school divisions across the region.

“It takes a village to raise a child,” Evardone said, noting that protecting students and improving education require the shared responsibility of government, schools, families, and communities.

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The push for stronger school safety comes as schools across Eastern Visayas remain on heightened alert following the June 22 shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, where three students were killed, and 20 others were injured.

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READ: Online threats put Eastern Samar, Samar schools on high alert

The incident prompted schools and local governments to review security arrangements and strengthen coordination with law enforcement agencies, particularly in monitoring threats, managing emergencies, and protecting students and school personnel.

Similar security concerns later led to temporary class suspensions in some schools in Eastern Samar and in other parts of the region after online threats were reported. This underscored the need for schools to have clear protocols for threat assessment, emergency response, and coordination with authorities.

Evardone said government support for schools should go beyond infrastructure and educational resources, stressing the importance of creating learning environments where students are protected from threats and other risks.

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The incident prompted schools and local governments to review security arrangements and strengthen coordination with law enforcement agencies, particularly in monitoring threats, managing emergencies and protecting students and school personnel.

READ: Angara backs bill seeking to institutionalize student protection

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The developments have also highlighted that school safety is closely linked to learning. Fear, disruptions and insecurity can affect students’ attendance, concentration, and overall well-being, making the involvement of local governments and other community stakeholders essential.

The Remancom meeting also provided an opportunity for DepEd officials and schools division leaders to identify challenges affecting learners and teachers and determine areas where additional intervention or technical assistance may be needed.

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Among the concerns discussed were supporting struggling learners, sustaining quality instruction, and strengthening school safety and preparedness. The assessment is expected to help the DepEd regional office tailor its technical assistance to each school division’s specific needs. /atm