In mourning the deaths of Joyan Separa, Ayesa Nicole Dazo and Chris Lawrence Fabian, the three students who lost their lives in the shooting incident at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go called for stronger school safety measures and mental health support for young Filipinos.

In his co-sponsorship speech on Wednesday, 5 August, for Senate Resolution 58 expressing profound sympathy and sincere condolences to the families of the three victims,

Go said the students had dreams of completing their education, pursuing their chosen professions, helping their families, and building better lives.

“It is heartbreaking to lose a child; no words can adequately ease the pain their families are going through,” Go said.

“Thus, we stand with them in their grief and sincerely pray that they may find strength and hope amid this tragedy,” he added.

Go, a fellow Bisaya, also noted that Fabian shared his given name, Christopher Lawrence.

Namesake

“As a fellow Bisaya, and as someone from Tacloban, it so happens that Chris Lawrence also happens to share my name,” he said.

The senator extended his sympathies to those injured in the incident, as well as to the victims’ teachers, school personnel, classmates and the entire Tacloban City community affected by the violence.

“Amid the family’s grief, we extend our condolences, offer our prayers and provide assistance. But once again, this incident reminds us that nothing can ever replace a life that has been lost,” Go said.

“A lost life is a lost life forever,” he emphasized.

Go said the victims were taken from their families before they could fulfill the aspirations they had worked toward as students.

“These young students had their whole lives ahead of them. They dreamed of finishing their studies, pursuing their professions, helping their families and building a better future,” he said.

Go also honored the bravery of Fabian, who acted to protect his classmates despite the danger.

Go said the tragedy demonstrates that every child deserves not only access to education but also the assurance that schools remain safe places for learning and development.