Group calls for safer learning measures after Cavite school stabbing

The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines pushed for stronger school safety and support systems on Wednesday, following the stabbing incident in Cavite involving students.

“Schools must be places where children feel safe and protected at all times,” ACT Chairperson Ruby Bernardo said in a statement.

“Ensuring safety in schools requires adequate personnel, proper student support systems, and learning environments where learners are properly guided and cared for,” she added.

Seven Grade 5 students were allegedly attacked by a Grade 8 student using a kitchen knife inside a private school in General Trias City, Cavite, on Tuesday.

While the victims were immediately brought to nearby hospitals, two were required to undergo an operation due to the severity of their injuries, according to General Trias City Mayor Jon-Jon Ferrer.

The 14-year-old suspect was turned over to local social welfare officials for proper medical and psychological evaluation.

“Although those involved are minors, we strongly emphasize that this kind of incident is unacceptable, and we will remain firm in enforcing the law to ensure peace, order, and security in our city,” Mr. Ferrer said in a Facebook post on Tuesday.

The teachers’ group noted that this incident has highlighted the “long-standing gaps” and called for sufficient staffing of guidance counselors, psychosocial support personnel, and trained school staff who can respond to emergencies without leaving classrooms unattended.

“Teachers are often pulled away for meetings or additional duties due to shortages, leaving gaps in supervision and support at critical moments,” Ms. Bernardo said.

In a statement, the Department of Education (DepEd) said that it is closely coordinating with school authorities and government agencies to ensure that the affected learners receive appropriate support and interventions.

The agency also asked the public to refrain from spreading unverified claims and respect the privacy, dignity, and rights of all children involved in the incident.

“The safety, well-being, and mental health of our learners remain among the Department’s highest priorities,” DepEd said on Wednesday. “We remain committed to ensuring that schools are safe and supportive environments for all students.”

Last year, Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara reported that there are only 4,069 licensed guidance counselors as of 2022, making it impossible to meet the ideal global ratio of 250 students per one counselor.

DepEd aims to hire about 15,000 school counselor associates before the year ends to address the imbalance in the student-to-guidance counselor ratio nationwide. — Almira Louise S. Martinez