As young individuals and students in the Philippines, we find our sense of security increasingly challenged within the confines of our own schools. The sanctity of education, a constitutional right, is gravely threatened by the rising incidences of violence and the perilous possibility of school shootings. This alarming predicament necessitates immediate action to protect not just governing boards, teachers, and staff, but also the learners who are meant to feel safe in these nurturing environments.

Our school systems are struggling under the weight of these concerns, with reports of violence on school grounds becoming an unwelcome, yet regular, feature in our collective narrative. This is not just an existential threat to the image of education, but a real and pressing danger to students' lives, their academic growth, and their confidence in academic institutions. The gravity of these threats calls for comprehensive policy enactments tailored to preempt and manage potential violence effectively.

OUR CONCERNS:

• Student safety is not being fully guaranteed despite existing laws and policies.
• Implementation gaps exist in current DepEd and local government guidelines.
• Mental health support and crisis response systems remain insufficient.
• Community involvement in protecting schools is limited, leaving students vulnerable.

WHAT WE WANT:

• Strengthening mental health support and crisis response systems to proactively address safety threats.
• Ensuring that the existing laws and policies are fully implemented by local governments to bridge any gaps in student protection.
• If existing laws are not fully effective, we want them to be revisited and strengthened to ensure that student safety is truly prioritized.
• Increasing community involvement in school safety initiatives so that everyone—parents, students, and local officials is part of the solution.

According to UNESCO, safe learning environments have a direct impact on students’ academic performance and overall wellbeing. Our collective efforts must secure the learning grounds for future generations. We implore the Department of Education and all relevant governmental bodies to take decisive measures now, so schools can continue to be the bastions of safety and learning that they are supposed to be.

We are speaking for the students, families, and educators who have been directly affected by the recent school shootings in Tacloban and Zamboanga. These tragic incidents have left a deep impact on multiple levels of the community:

• The student victims themselves, whose right to a safe education has been shattered.
• Their families, who are grieving and seeking justice for their children, and who now live with the fear of sending their kids to school.
• The students who committed these acts, who are also youths in need of intervention and understanding to prevent further tragedy.
• The teachers and classmates, who are dealing with trauma, fear, and the need for mental health support.
• The entire school community, which is now calling for urgent improvements in school safety and mental health resources.

We also call on our fellow youth, parents, teachers, and community members to stand with us in solidarity. Together, let us demand accountability, push for the full implementation of existing laws, and work hand in hand to create schools that are truly safe havens for learning.

Please sign this petition to make our schools safe havens for learning and growth. Your support is crucial in championing this cause for the safety and future of students across the nation.

“We demand safe schools now! Because education without safety is no education at all.”

#SEGURIDADESTUDYANTESIGURADUHIN!