BY GLORIA LEODIVICA INES ARANETA
The City Government of Tagbilaran is ramping up security in public schools through more police patrols and the planned installation of solar-powered closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras.
The effort is part of the Bantay Eskwela initiative, which covers all public elementary and high schools in the city.
Mayor Jane Yap said the program aims to strengthen school safety and protect students, teachers, and school personnel from potential threats.
The move comes in the wake of a recent shooting incident in Zamboanga that reignited concerns about student safety in schools.
Yap noted that the incident showed why authorities and communities must take preventive steps before problems occur, instead of reacting after the fact.
The Tagbilaran City Police Station, headed by Chief of Police Lt. Col. Joey Bicoy, has been conducting regular patrols and monitoring in school areas.
Police officers have been deployed during class hours to increase visibility and help deter possible security risks.
In addition to patrols, the city government plans to install solar-powered CCTV cameras in all public elementary and high schools.
The cameras will be connected to a designated command center for real-time monitoring.
Officials said the system will expand surveillance coverage and allow for faster response during emergencies.
Mayor Yap also called on parents to play an active role in ensuring their children’s safety and well-being.
She stressed that school security should not depend only on government and law enforcement.
Yap encouraged parents to maintain open communication with their children, ask about their daily experiences in school, and stay alert to any changes in behavior.
The city government said Bantay Eskwela unites the efforts of government, police, schools, and parents to build a safer learning environment for students.