Stressing that incidents of violence and shootings in schools are “unacceptable,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday said the government is working with stakeholders to ensure that schools are safe and secure for teachers and learners.
He gave the assurance during the recognition of Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) Participating Schools and Education Partners held in Pasay City.
“Be assured that the government is working closely with our teachers, parents, barangay workers, and other stakeholders to make schools more secure,” the President said.
He went on: “We are committed to providing our youth, our parents, and our community with the knowledge and resources to prevent and respond to school violence.”
In the last quarter, three incidents of school shootings have been reported in the country – in Tacloban City, Zamboanga City, and South Cotabato. The school shootings left eight students dead, including the shooters themselves, and injured several others.
Marcos earlier ordered thorough probes into the shootings as he stressed that such incidents of violence should not be accepted as normal.
In his speech, the President said the government has hired 10,000 school counselors for School year 2026-2027 in order to ensure a “safe and positive” learning environment.
“Hindi katanggap-tanggap yung mga pangyayari na nakita natin sa Tacloban, sa Zamboanga, sa South Cotabato,” he said.
Marcos added: “Ayaw na ayaw natin na nakikita na hindi tayo nakakasiguro, hindi tayo nakakatiyak na ang ating mga eskwelahan ay ligtas. [Gusto natin ang] mga kabataan ay nasa environment na kaya nilang mag-aral ng mabuti.”