TACLOBAN CITY — In an effort to strengthen campus safety and restore peace of mind among learners, over 1,600 students from San Jose National High School (SJNHS) received transparent backpacks on Monday from local businessman Jimmy Yaokasin. The distribution aims to streamline security protocols while helping the school community rebuild a secure and supportive learning environment following a tragic incident earlier this year.
Streamlining Security at School Gates
The donation builds directly upon a previous security enhancement initiative by the Yaokasin family, who provided a metal detector to SJNHS last month. Jimmy Yaokasin, former city administrator and current president of Toyota Tacloban, explained that the idea for clear bags emerged during the initial equipment handover to make daily entry checks faster and more effective for security staff.
“During our donation of the metal detector last month, suggestions were raised that transparent backpacks should also be provided to the students. This will make the inspection process smoother and faster as students enter the school,” Yaokasin noted.
Rebuilding Confidence After Tragedy
SJNHS was specifically selected for the initiative following a devastating shooting on June 22 that left three students dead and 20 others injured, deeply impacting students, educators, and parents alike. In addition to physical security measures, local officials and stakeholders have prioritized ongoing psychosocial support to help the school heal.
Beyond the logistical benefits for school guards, Yaokasin emphasized the psychological impact of the clear bags in helping families overcome fear.
"We want the students to feel that they are safe when they come to school,” Yaokasin said, adding that maintaining daily routines is crucial for community resilience. “To defeat terrorism, people have to live as normally as possible. This is one way of helping our students feel secure when they come to school.”
Holistic Support and Call for Community Action
The SJNHS administration welcomed the donation, highlighting the vital role played by private sector partners and local stakeholders in safeguarding students and faculty. As part of a broader effort to offer moral and emotional grounding, Yaokasin announced that his group will also distribute Bibles to students and teachers.
Encouraging parent-teacher associations and local government units to replicate similar supply drives, Yaokasin stressed that public support goes beyond material aid.
“These efforts are not only about providing material assistance. They are also about helping our students, teachers and parents regain their confidence and sense of security,” he stated.
