We continue to express deep concern over the heartbreaking incidents of school violence. It is especially alarming that some of the alleged perpetrators are minors. As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Youth and vice chairperson of the Committee on Health, I believe these incidents reflect deeper challenges involving peace and order, youth welfare, mental health, and the support systems available to our students.

Violence among young people is a growing concern that demands immediate and preventive action. One step we can take is to strengthen police visibility around schools and improve coordination with school officials and local government units. This could help deter violence and enable authorities to respond quickly to emergencies. Stronger police visibility around campuses will help assure students, as well as their parents and guardians, of their safety.

At the same time, security alone is not enough. We should also look after the welfare of students beyond the school grounds, whether they are facing problems at home, in school, or in the community. Prevention is always better than cure. Mental health issues are real.

That is why I continue to support stronger mental health systems in our schools. In the previous Congress, I co-authored and co-sponsored Republic Act 12080, or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, principally sponsored by Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian. This law institutionalizes mental health programs in schools, particularly in basic education institutions.

During a previous hearing of the Committee on Youth, we noted that there were only about 4,069 licensed guidance counselors nationwide as of 2022. The country would need around 47,000 guidance counselors to meet the ideal ratio.

It was also reported during the hearing that we have only 40 child psychiatrists in the Philippines. We are indeed facing a crisis in the supply of mental health professionals.

It has long been my call to focus on our youth’s mental well-being. We will continue to push for Senate Bill 176, which seeks to establish Mental Health Offices in all public higher education institutions nationwide to provide accessible counseling services, trained mental health professionals, and 24/7 mental health hotlines for students.

Meanwhile, on 4 July, we personally assisted fire victims in Barangay Ilang, Bunawan District, Davao City, in coordination with 2nd District Councilor Che Che Justol-Baguilod and Barangay Captain Amado Babao. We then headed to Barangay 19-B, Poblacion, to extend assistance to affected families in coordination with 1st District Councilor Atty. Luna Acosta, Kagawad Jenny Ann Monreal-Nicolas, and SK Chairman Robin Lo.

Furthermore, our Malasakit Team immediately extended assistance to fire victims in Mandaue City and Talisay City, Cebu.

Indigent residents from various Batangas towns, including Calaca, Balayan, Calatagan, Lemery, Lian, Nasugbu, Taal, and Tuy, also received assistance from the Malasakit Team.

The team likewise provided additional aid to recovering fire victims in Navotas City. These beneficiaries also received assistance from the national government, which we supported in procuring materials to help rebuild their homes.

We were also represented by our team at the Liga ng Barangay Davao Oriental Provincial Congress in Mati City, Davao Oriental.

As Mr. Malasakit, I will continue to uphold my duty to strengthen early intervention systems in schools and communities, particularly for students experiencing bullying, emotional distress, or other risk factors, dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos.