Wesleyan University – Philippines (WUP), in partnership with the Philippine National Police (PNP), conducted a campus safety orientation on October 9, 2026, at the University Amphitheater to strengthen emergency preparedness and promote shared responsibility for campus security.The orientation gathered teaching personnel from the elementary, junior high school, and college departments, along with non-teaching personnel and student leaders, to prepare the university community to recognize security threats, respond appropriately to emergencies, and help protect students, employees, and visitors.The message by Gladys Mangiduyos, Vice President for Administration and Planning, which was delivered by Dr. Josef Nacino, Head, Asset Management Unit, highlighted that campus safety requires proactive preparation, vigilance, and coordinated action rather than simply the absence of danger.
“Safety is not merely the absence of danger; it is the presence of preparedness, vigilance, and collective responsibility,” Mangiduyos said during her welcome remarks.
She therefore mentioned that preparedness extends beyond institutional policies and protocols, requiring critical thinking, sound judgement, and clear communication, particularly when emergencies demand immediate decisions.
Mangiduyos also underscored the importance of preparing before a crisis occurs, noting that emergencies may leave little time to learn the appropriate response. She thanked the PNP for its assistance in strengthening the University’s safety measures.
Campus security as a shared responsibility
Renato D. Salvador, MPA, OIC-Chief of Security/Chairman, Crisis Management Center (CMC), highlighted the need for the orientation, citing WUP’s open-campus environment and daily influx of students and visitors.
He emphasized that campus security is not solely the responsibility of security guards but requires participation of administrators, faculty members, staff, auxiliary personnel, and student leaders.
Salvador explained that members of the university community must understand their respective responsibilities and know how to respond when security threats arise.
He also stressed the importance of recognizing warning signs, reporting potential threats appropriately, and assisting others without unnecessarily endangering themselves.
The security office noted that the orientation was intended to equip participants with practical knowledge rather than create fear, emphasizing that an informed community is better prepared to respond to emergencies.
Preparing for active-threat situations
During the orientation, PLT Marissa Ramos and Police Staff Sergeant Ray Buan discussed campus security concerns, including active-shooter incidents and the appropriate response of police officers and security personnel.
The discussion addressed the importance of recognizing warning signs, understanding appropriate responses during an active-threat situation, and reporting incidents safely.
The speakers also highlighted the need for coordinated action during emergencies, particularly before responding authorities can arrive at the scene.
Beyond immediate response, the orientation also emphasized the importance of helping the university community recover following a crisis.
Salvador urged participants to take the discussion seriously, ask questions, and actively participate in future safety drills to reinforce their understanding of emergency procedures.
He acknowledged that absolute safety cannot be guaranteed but affirmed the University Security Office’s commitment to implementing measures that protect the campus community.
Through the initiative, WUP seeks to strengthen its preparedness for potential security threats and reinforce the shared responsibility of keeping the university a safe environment for learning and work.
Article by Emily G. Agumbay (PIO)
Photos by John Carlo S. Dauz (PIO)
