Keeping students safe is not the responsibility of the school alone, but a shared commitment among parents, educators, security personnel, authorities, and the wider community, speakers emphasized during the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) Panel Forum on Student Safety, Protection, Guidance, and Collective Responsibility on August 27 at the University Ecumenical Chapel of Wesleyan University-Philippines (WUP).

Held from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 in the afternoon, the forum brought together members of the elementary, junior high school, and senior high school community to discuss ways of strengthening student protection, school safety, guidance, and cooperation among stakeholders.

Dr. Henry Cocoy D. Nacpil emphasized that student safety becomes stronger when families and schools work together, stressing the importance of remaining connected and attentive to students’ needs.

“Student safety is a shared responsibility. When families and schools work together, prevention becomes stronger,” Nacpil said.
He further encouraged members of the community to notice, listen, and act when concerns arise, underscoring the importance of mutual support in creating a safer environment for children.

“Together, we build a safer and kinder future for our children,” he added.

Parents, school shared responsibility

The forum also highlighted the legal rights and responsibilities of students, parents, faculty members, and the school in maintaining a safe learning environment.

Atty. Lyndon John S. De Leon called on parents and the school to work as partners in protecting students, noting that learning extends beyond the classroom and involves everyone who plays a role in a child’s development.

“Let us be partners in building a safe learning environment,” De Leon said, emphasizing that parents remain among the first people responsible for listening to and caring for their children.

His discussion underscored the importance of parents understanding their role in ensuring that children are heard, protected, and guided while the school fulfills its responsibility to provide a secure environment for learning.

WUP strengthens security and preparedness

Beyond parental and institutional responsibility, the forum also presented the university’s existing security measures and preparedness initiatives.
Mr. Renato D. Salvador of the university’s security office discussed the role of the Crisis Management Center in addressing emergencies and other situations that may threaten the lives, property, and well-being of members of the university community.

According to Salvador, the university continuously monitors potential concerns that could develop into crises or disasters while conducting preparedness activities and orientations for the community.

He cited training and awareness initiatives on disaster preparedness, including preparations for earthquakes and fire-related emergencies.

Salvador also introduced a new security protocol involving “lockout, lights out, and lower inside,” which is set to be implemented in coordination with relevant authorities and university officials. The measure forms part of the university’s efforts to enhance its response to potential security threats.

Police urged students to see officers as allies

The forum also sought to strengthen cooperation between the school community and law enforcement.

Police Captain Noel B. Manalastas urged parents to help their children understand that police officers are not enemies to be feared, but partners in maintaining a safe community.

“Sana po ay tulungan ninyo kaming ipaintindi at ipaalam sa mga anak ninyo, natin, na ang mga pulis ay hindi po kaaway at hindi dapat na katakutan. Kami po ay kakampi,” Manalastas said.

He encouraged students to feel safe whenever they encounter police officers and assured the community that the police continue to intensify their presence and monitoring in the area to help ensure the safety of the community.

Protecting children as a shared calling

Adding a spiritual perspective to the discussion, University Chaplain Rev. Dr. Francis V. Fajardo, reminded participants of the value and responsibility attached to caring for children.

“They are a gift from God,” Fajardo said, emphasizing that caring for children can also be understood as a responsibility entrusted to those who guide and protect them.

Through the forum, WUP reinforced the message that student safety requires more than policies and security measures. It calls for active participation from parents, teachers, school administrators, security personnel, law enforcement, and the community in recognizing concerns, responding to risks, and ensuring that students grow and learn in an environment where they feel protected and supported.

Article by Emily G. Agumbay (PIO)
Photos by John Carlo S. Dauz (PIO)