NEWS: S.A.F.E. School Initiative brings safety, security, and preparedness campaign to CAPSU–Mambusao
By Lyka D. Loro
| EMERGENCY RESPONSE IN ACTION. John Paul L. Lusabia demonstrates basic emergency preparedness and response techniques, including assisting a choking person and performing chest compressions, as students and faculty actively participate in the hands-on demonstrations. |
The Municipal Government of Mambusao, through the S.A.F.E. (Safe and Secure Academic Facilities for Everyone) Committee, conducted the S.A.F.E. School Initiative Symposium on September 3 at Capiz State University–Mambusao Satellite College to strengthen a culture of safety, preparedness, resilience, health, security, and responsibility among students, teachers, parents, and the wider school community.
Key topics discussed included school safety, bullying, mental health and well-being, fire prevention and preparedness, and various adolescent-related concerns. The discussions provided students with practical knowledge and guidance to help them navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and contribute to a safer and more supportive academic community.
The activity brought together students, faculty members, guest speakers, and representatives from various local government offices and partner agencies in a collective effort to promote a safer, healthier, and more resilient school community.
The program began with Dr. June Rey Garbosa, introducing the S.A.F.E. Committee and discussed its mission, goals, and role in promoting a safe and secure learning environment for everyone within the institution.
Dr. Ma. Aurora G. Victoriano, Program Chairperson of the BAEL Department and Officer-in-Charge, delivered the opening remarks and welcomed the attendees to the symposium.
In her message, Dr. Victoriano emphasized that creating a safe learning environment is not the responsibility of a single person or committee but a shared responsibility among everyone in the institution.
“So, let this symposium remind us that creating a safe learning environment is a shared responsibility. It is the responsibility of everyone in the institution. This shared responsibility calls for cooperation, preparedness, commitment, and active participation from everyone,” she said. She highlighted the importance of working together to ensure that every member of the university community feels safe, prepared, and supported.
Mr. John Paul L. Lusabia of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) shared his knowledge and experiences on the work of the S.A.F.E. Committee, emphasizing the importance of promoting and maintaining safety within the academic community.
He raised an important question for the students: “What does it mean to make students safe?”
He explained that safety is not only about knowing how to prepare oneself during emergencies but also about understanding one's responsibility toward others and taking action when necessary.
The discussion emphasized that being prepared means knowing what to do during emergencies, staying alert, helping others, and actively contributing to a safer environment.
The symposium then featured a series of insightful discussions led by experts and representatives from various government offices and partner agencies.
Ms. Mildred Galagate of the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) discussed Republic Act No. 10627, or the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013, focusing on bullying and its different forms. The discussion encouraged students to recognize bullying, understand its effects, and become more responsible in creating a respectful environment.
She also discussed Republic Act No. 11313, or the Safe Spaces Act (Bawal Bastos Law), emphasizing the importance of respect and responsible behavior in creating safe and inclusive spaces.
One of the key reminders shared during the discussion was the PAUSE guide, which encouraged students to pause and reflect before acting, particularly when interacting with others. The guide emphasized the importance of respect, consent, awareness, and consideration of the possible consequences of one’s actions in promoting and maintaining safe spaces.
Mr. Jerry N. Lacuarta of the Municipal Population Office (MPO) discussed the prevention of adolescent pregnancy, focusing on the different factors that contribute to the issue and the importance of education, guidance, and support.
He emphasized that adolescents need accurate information, responsible decision-making, and strong support systems from their families, schools, and communities. The discussion also highlighted the importance of understanding the possible risks and consequences associated with adolescent pregnancy and making informed and responsible choices.
Representatives from the Bureau Fire Protection, led by FO2 Noel V. Maximo, discussed fire prevention and suppression awareness.
The discussion introduced the different methods of extinguishing fire, including the cooling process, smothering or blanketing, starving, and breaking the chain reaction.
The participants were also reminded that fire safety begins with prevention. Proper handling of electrical equipment, avoiding fire hazards, keeping emergency exits accessible, and knowing the appropriate response during a fire are important in preventing accidents and protecting lives.
The discussion further emphasized the importance of remaining calm, alert, and prepared during fire emergencies.
Ms. Rhodelyn B. Agupitan, Social Welfare Officer I, FROM THE Municipal Socila Welfare and Development Office discussed Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) and Children at Risk (CAR).
The discussion focused on understanding the circumstances that may place children at risk and the importance of providing proper guidance, protection, intervention, and support. It also emphasized that young people need understanding and appropriate assistance from their families, schools, and communities to help them make positive choices and avoid situations that may place them in conflict with the law.
The symposium also addressed mental health through a discussion led by Dr. Rowena L. Gavero, Rural Health Physician, who talked about mental health and depression.
The discussion highlighted the importance of recognizing changes in a person's emotional and mental well-being and understanding that mental health is an important part of overall health. Students were encouraged to seek help, communicate their concerns, and support people who may be experiencing difficulties.
The discussion also emphasized the importance of creating a supportive and understanding environment where individuals feel safe to ask for help.
The MDRRMO team, led by Mr. John Paul L. Lusabia, also conducted discussions and demonstrations on emergency preparedness and response.
As part of the university's efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness, the team discussed the planned installation of a siren for earthquake emergencies, which will serve as an additional warning mechanism for the university community.
The participants also learned basic emergency response techniques, including how to assist a person who is choking and how to perform compression. Students and faculty actively participated in the demonstrations, allowing them to gain practical knowledge that may be useful during emergency situations.
The symposium sought to strengthen a culture of safety, preparedness, resilience, health, security, and social responsibility within the university community by equipping students, faculty, and staff with knowledge and practical awareness that can help them respond responsibly to various challenges and emergencies.
More than a series of lectures, the activity provided an opportunity for students and faculty to engage with experts, ask questions, participate in demonstrations, and gain a deeper understanding of issues affecting young people and the wider community.
The symposium marked an important step in raising awareness and fostering a safer, more supportive, and resilient academic environment, one that promotes not only the mental health and well-being of adolescents but also the safety, preparedness, and responsibility of every member of the university community.
The S.A.F.E. (Safe and Secure Academic Facilities for Everyone) is an initiative of the Municipal Government of Mambusao which aims to empower young people, teachers, and families to become active partners in creating schools that are not only places of learning but also places where everyone feels safe, secure, protected, and prepared.
The S.A.F.E. School Initiative is the brainchild of Hon. Leodegario A. Labao Jr., Municipal Mayor of Mambusao and chairman of the S.A.F.E. Committee, following the school shooting in Tacloban that claimed the lives of three students.
In response to the incident, Hon. Labao convened the heads of various government agencies and stakeholders for a consultative meeting to explore the creation of a dedicated body that would oversee and strengthen the safety and security of schools across the municipality of Mambusao.
As part of its initial efforts, the committee launched a series of S.A.F.E. Initiative Symposia among learning institutions in the municipality, with the symposium serving as the first of its planned activities.