Binay: Schools are not war zones

Senatorial candidate and Makati Mayor Abby Binay has called for a balanced and prudent approach to recent incidents of violence in public schools in Metro Manila, emphasizing that excessive security measures would not be effective and could cause more harm than good.

Binay made this statement in response to viral videos showing violent incidents among students, which have been linked to bullying in some schools.

Binay specifically cautioned against implementing measures such as body searches or imposing airport-style security protocols, warning that they would create a culture of fear among students rather than addressing the root causes of the violence.

“Schools should not feel like a war zone. We don’t want to create a culture where children feel fear when they go to school,” she said.

While acknowledging the seriousness of the incidents, Binay pointed out that there have been no mass shooting incidents in schools in the Philippines, unlike in the United States, and that the recent cases are isolated. She insisted that such extreme measures are unnecessary and may exacerbate the problem.

Binay also emphasized the importance of a collective effort in maintaining safe schools.

“The task of keeping our schools safe havens for learning entails sustained and strategic collaboration among all stakeholders,” she said.

This includes school administrators, teachers, security personnel, parents, guardians and even local barangay peace officers and police. She also called on the implementation of the Anti-Bullying Act to ensure a supportive environment for students.

Highlighting the role of parents, Binay urged them to closely monitor their children for signs of bullying, whether as victims or aggressors.

“I urge parents and guardians to be proactive in observing any signs of bullying or violent behavior and to be actively involved in school activities that raise awareness about bullying dynamics,” she said. “It’s essential to help children understand how they can protect themselves through peaceful and lawful means.”

Binay further underscored the pressing need to address the shortage of guidance counselors in public schools, citing the findings of the Second Congressional Commission on Education.

According to the report, around 4,400 guidance counselor positions remain vacant across the country’s public schools.

“The role of guidance counselors is crucial and indispensable to promoting safe schools,” Binay said, adding that policy reforms are needed to attract highly qualified professionals into the position.

She noted that the shortage of guidance counselors is a significant barrier to addressing issues such as bullying and violence in schools.

“We must make immediate changes in current policies and standards to ensure that we fill these vacancies and provide the necessary support for students,” she concluded.