Quezon City, Philippines — The Quezon City government announced that it plans to conduct school-based safety drills in all schools across the city to prepare students on how to respond in situations that threaten their safety.
This comes after a reported violent incidents that recently occurred inside several schools in the country, where the primary suspects were minors and students.
According to QC Mayor Joy Belmonte, the involvement of children in acts of violence, as well as the victims of young people are alarming, that the city does not want students in Quezon City to experience.
Based on the city’s observations, students appeared unprepared to deal with similar situations, prompting the local government to consider conducting simulation drills.
The mayor said that through these drills, students would be better equipped to think of the appropriate actions to take during unexpected incidents, such as seeking help and calling emergency hotlines.
As part of the city’s precautionary measures following the reported incidents, the QC LGU has already implemented stricter bag inspections at all school entrances to prevent potentially harmful items from being brought onto campus.
Mayor Belmonte has also directed the police to inspect schools for alternative entry points or openings in fences that students may be using to enter school grounds without passing through the main gate.
The city also plans to strengthen scouting programs in schools by increasing the number of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and encouraging greater participation in youth development programs to help cultivate leadership skills, character formation, and preparedness for emergencies.
In addition, the city government intends to expand its values education and information campaigns among both the youth and parents.
Meanwhile, the Quezon City Police District will take the lead in developing the modules for the planned school-based safety drills.
The QCPD also stated that it will intensify police visibility and patrols in and around schools as part of its efforts to ensure student safety.