PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. called for a united effort to protect children amid recent attacks and violent incidents in schools.

Marcos urged parents to remain actively involved in their children’s lives, called on teachers to continue serving not only as educators but also as mentors and counselors, and reminded schools to strictly enforce safety protocols during classes, field trips, training camps, and other school-related activities.

The President cited the recent school shooting in Tacloban City, fatal stabbing incidents inside schools in Cavite, and the deaths of two student-athletes during a team-building activity, saying that while the incidents occurred under different circumstances, they all underscore the urgent need to strengthen efforts to protect the country’s youth.

“Kailangang maprotektahan ang ating mga kabataan,” Marcos emphasized.

“Maprotektahan laban sa karahasan. Maprotektahan laban sa kapabayaan. Maprotektahan laban sa panganib. At maprotektahan laban sa mga tahimik na pinagdaraanan at pasaning dinadala ng marami sa kanila.”

The Chief Executive stressed that schools must remain places where children can learn, pursue their dreams, and develop their full potential—not places where parents fear for their children’s safety.

“Ang paaralan ay dapat maging lugar ng pagkatuto, pangarap, at pag-unlad—hindi lugar kung saan nangangamba ang mga magulang para sa kaligtasan ng kanilang mga anak,” Marcos said.