Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday urged a collective effort to safeguard the youth and prevent school-related violence involving minors. In his vlog uploaded on Saturday, Marcos described the spate of violence in schools as 'heartbreaking and horrifying,' emphasizing the need to strengthen safety measures to protect learners from harm.

According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos stated, "Today, I speak not only as President, but also as a father, as a fellow Filipino, and as someone deeply concerned for the safety of our children." He stressed the importance of protecting youth from violence, negligence, danger, and the silent struggles and burdens many of them carry.

Marcos has directed relevant agencies to implement stronger measures to ensure student safety and security. He also urged teachers to fulfill their roles not only as educators but also as mentors and counselors, particularly for students with mental health concerns. "Schools should be places of learning, hope, and growth - not places where parents fear for their children's safety," Marcos said. He called for strict adherence to safety protocols in schools, whether in classrooms, during field trips, training camps, or other school-related activities.

Marcos also appealed to parents to engage in conversations with their children, stressing that government action alone is insufficient. "Parents must remain actively involved in their children's lives," he said. He highlighted the importance of simple conversations as a form of protection, stating, "Sometimes, the greatest protection we can give our children is our time, our attention, and our understanding."

Marcos encouraged students dealing with depression, anxiety, or other personal struggles to seek help, assuring them that it is "never a sign of weakness." He acknowledged that issues like bullying could be contributing factors to school violence. He noted, "According to initial reports, these incidents may have been linked to bullying -- a problem that many young people continue to face today. Investigations are still ongoing."

The Department of Education is seeking an updated safety protocol and increased police visibility following recent reports of violence in schools, including a fatal shooting incident in a Tacloban City school that claimed the lives of three students.