Personnel from the Tacloban City Police Office were deployed at the school entrance as students began arriving shortly after 6 a.m. Teachers welcomed them with reassuring smiles in an effort to ease lingering fears.
Among those at the school gate was fish vendor Linda, who accompanied her Grade 8 daughter.
"She might have another panic attack if she doesn't see me," Linda said. "She always feels stressed even at home since that incident happened."
An online report by the Eastern Visayas Journal said a female student ran away after seeing a police officer carrying a service firearm, underscoring the lasting trauma experienced by some learners.
Since last week, mental health professionals, counselors, educators and social workers have been providing Psychological First Aid to students, school personnel, families and community members affected by the incident.
Psychosocial support
Before classes formally resumed, the Tacloban City government organized a short program featuring actress and singer Francine Diaz as part of its psychosocial support efforts.
Nilo Eder, information officer of the Department of Education's Tacloban Schools Division, said inviting Diaz was an initiative of Mayor Alfred Romualdez to help ease students' anxiety before returning to their classrooms.
The DepEd Tacloban Schools Division said it would continue implementing measures to ensure San Jose National High School remains a safe and supportive learning environment.
"The tragic incident that befell our school community has left an immeasurable mark on all of us," the division said in a statement.
"As a community of educators, learners, parents and partners, we remain committed to walking together on the path toward healing, recovery and hope."
DepEd described the resumption of classes as "a courageous step toward restoring normalcy" while honoring the memory of those who died.
"Education must continue in an environment where every learner feels safe, valued and supported. While feelings of grief, anger, fear and the desire for justice are natural and valid, may we also find strength in compassion, forgiveness, respect for one another and our shared commitment to peace," it added.
Security upgrades
Support for public schools in Tacloban has also begun to pour in, with much of the assistance focused on improving campus security.
The Tacloban Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce Inc. donated 14 walk-through metal detectors, which have been installed at several schools, including San Jose National High School, Sagkahan National High School, San Jose Central School, Rizal Central School, Tacloban North National High School and Leyte National High School.
Jimmy Yaokasin, the chamber's vice president, said the donation was discussed during a meeting with Education Secretary Sonny Angara following the shooting.
He said the project aims to improve security while reducing long lines at school entrances, where students previously waited up to 30 minutes as bags were manually inspected for weapons.
