Schools urged to focus on student support, not just security

MANILA, Philippines — Schools need to look beyond physical security and strengthen support systems so teachers can recognize concerning changes in students without labeling or isolating them, an education advocate said following the recent shooting incident in Zamboanga.

Rossana Llenado, founder of AHEAD Education Group, said teachers spend much of their day with students and may be among the first to notice changes in their behavior, relationships or participation in class.

“Teachers can help create safer schools by listening more to their students,” Llenado said.

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At the same time, she said teachers should not be expected to diagnose psychological problems or determine whether a student may become violent. Instead, they should be trained to recognize when a situation is concerning and know when and how to refer it to school leaders or appropriate professionals.

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“We have to be careful that our efforts to prevent violence do not result in labeling children,” Llenado said.

READ: CPD urges family, school, community action after Zamboanga shooting

She also called for stronger communication among students, parents, teachers and school authorities, saying young people should feel safe asking for help and speaking about problems when needed.

“School safety is not only about what we do when there is an emergency,” Llenado said. “It is also about creating a school environment where students feel that they belong, teachers are attentive to their students, and concerns are taken seriously.”

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Llenado said parents also have a role in prevention, with regular communication between families and schools helping ensure that serious concerns do not go unnoticed or unaddressed.

She said digital citizenship should be treated as an essential part of education but emphasized that prevention ultimately depends on relationships, trust and open communication among parents, teachers, students and school authorities.

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“Education is not only about academic achievement,” Llenado said. “We need to prepare young people to become responsible members of society. Teaching them how to resolve conflict, respect others, ask for help and speak up when something is wrong.”

As part of AHEAD’s efforts, Llenado said she will launch the ReviewLab Scholarship Program in September to give more students across the country access to review facilities.

READ: Group: Preventing school violence begins long before attacks happen

She said values education is also incorporated into AHEAD’s review curriculum through guidance for parents and children on becoming responsible members of society.

“Values education is embedded in our review curriculum by providing guidance to both parents and their children on how they could be better and responsible members of society,” she said. “A culture of friendship, camaraderie and open communication are also instituted in AHEAD.”

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Llenado, founder of AHEAD Education Group, which operates nine education brands, is an award-winning education advocate. The group has received more than 35 national and Asian recognitions for excellence in education, entrepreneurship and leadership, according to the organization.