CEBU — The Cebu Provincial Government took a major step toward safer campuses on September 29, 2026, as Governor Pamela Baricuatro led the ceremonial turnover of 600 metal detectors to the Department of Education. The event at the Capitol Social Hall gathered around 200 representatives from government agencies, schools, and communities.
A Mother's Promise for Safer Schools
Governor Baricuatro framed the initiative in deeply personal terms. She said her responsibility as governor is to prepare Cebu for risks before they become emergencies. But as a mother, her wish is simpler: she wants children to walk into school thinking about their lessons, friends, and dreams.
The governor's words resonated with the audience, many of whom are parents themselves. The metal detectors symbolize more than security hardware; they represent a collective commitment to protect young learners. The event translated the national call for safer schools into concrete provincial action.
A Multi-Agency Commitment
DepEd Cebu Province Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Senen Paulin thanked the provincial government for the donation. He said the metal detectors would help protect learners, teachers, school heads, and non-teaching personnel. The turnover marked a significant investment in campus safety infrastructure.
The event also featured the signing of a Pledge of Commitment reinforcing shared responsibility. Participating agencies included the Cebu Police Provincial Office, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Department of the Interior and Local Government.
Reporting Progress on School Safety
Police Colonel Abubakar Mangelen Jr., director of the Cebu Police Provincial Office, reported that all 22 school-related incidents and online threats received by police had been resolved. Of these, 11 involved minors referred to local social welfare offices. Two cases have been filed in court, including one under the Anti-Bomb Joke Law.
Mangelen emphasized that ensuring school safety requires collective effort. He said the police cannot do this alone, which is why the multi-agency approach was initiated. The CPPO also distributed wristbands bearing the 911 emergency hotline number to students, reminding them that help is always available.
The Cebu Safe Schools Program
The initiative is anchored on Executive Order No. 35, issued by Governor Baricuatro on June 25, 2026. The Cebu Safe Schools Program aims to prevent school violence and bullying, strengthen emergency preparedness, and provide mental health support to learners.
The program represents a holistic approach to student welfare, addressing both physical security and emotional well-being. By combining hardware like metal detectors with counseling services and emergency protocols, the province creates multiple layers of protection. The program is designed to be sustainable and responsive to evolving threats.
Student Leaders Welcome the Initiative
Student leaders voiced their support for the program. Kai Ulani Paubsanon of Buanoy National High School said students are grateful for the knowledge and tools that ensure their protection. She emphasized that student leaders play a crucial role in making peers feel safe.
Paubsanon noted that a school should be a safe space where students can focus on learning without fear. The metal detectors and emergency wristbands give learners peace of mind. As the Cebu Safe Schools Program advances, the province ensures every learner can pursue education in a secure and supportive environment.
