Schools are the second home of our children, and every young Filipino deserves to learn in an institution where they feel safe and protected. Sadly, the recent series of violent incidents involving students is something we never imagined would happen in our communities.

The past few days have reminded us that we cannot afford to be complacent when it comes to protecting our children. We must act through proactive policies and vigilance.

As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Youth, it deeply saddens me that, following the Tacloban City incident that killed three students and wounded several others, as well as the Cavite stabbing incident that injured seven people, another unfortunate incident involving our learners occurred in Pantukan, Davao de Oro. We should not wait for another tragedy to happen.

In the aftermath of the Tacloban City incident, our Malasakit Team immediately went to Tacloban City to extend assistance to the bereaved families of the students involved. While no amount of support can ever ease the pain of losing a loved one, we hope to somehow help them as they face this difficult time. We are also extending assistance to the injured students.

That is why I urge my fellow lawmakers and the national government to act now and waste no time in addressing these matters. How many more incidents must occur before we take school security, discipline, guidance for our youth and mental health support more seriously?

The Tacloban City incident has renewed attention on Republic Act (RA) 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, as amended by Republic Act 10630, which governs cases involving children at risk and children in conflict with the law.

If there are gaps in our existing laws and regulations, then we should address them now. At the same time, we must recognize that children need proper guidance and intervention. We must also protect the victims, hold those responsible accountable in accordance with the law, and help young people who have gone astray find the right path.

Furthermore, these incidents are not just a matter of security. We also need to look at the overall well-being of our young people. If they are facing problems at home, in school, in their communities, or with their mental health, these should be addressed early.

As vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, I have consistently advocated for accessible mental health services. We co-authored and co-sponsored Republic Act 12080, or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, which seeks to strengthen mental health and well-being services in basic education institutions.

We also filed Senate Bill 176, which proposes the creation of Mental Health Offices in all public higher education institutions nationwide to provide counseling services, trained mental health professionals and 24/7 mental health hotlines for students.

Together, let us help one another so our schools will once again be safe spaces where students are free to learn, grow and express themselves without the threat of harm.

Meanwhile, on 23 June, as a healthcare reforms crusader, we personally attended the Philippine Medical Association of Davao del Norte Medical Practitioners Society Inc., together with the Davao de Oro Medical Society, 59th Joint Induction and Turnover Ceremony in Tagum City with PMA Davao del Norte outgoing president Dr. Susana Ramos and Col. Manny Ramos. During the event, we recognized the strength and dedication of our healthcare professionals, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, when they tirelessly cared for patients.

Meanwhile, I also personally traveled to Davao Oriental to extend assistance to various sectors of the community. We provided support to members of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association in San Isidro, vendors and members of the Muslim community in Lupon, as well as barangay workers in Banaybanay. On the same day, I also attended the inauguration of the Super Health Center in Maco, Davao de Oro, upon the invitation of Mayor Voltaire Rimando.

The previous week, our Malasakit Team also extended assistance to various kababayans in need by immediately helping fire victims in Roxas City, Capiz; Taguig City; Ormoc City and Abuyog, Leyte; and Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte.

The team also attended the turnover of the Sibuco Super Health Center in Zamboanga del Norte, where we distributed grocery packs to barangay health workers.

As Mr. Malasakit, I will continue promoting measures that will help our kababayans, especially the youth, achieve better and safer lives, dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos.