HOUSE Senior Deputy Minority Leader and Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima has called for a comprehensive, community-based approach to addressing school violence, stressing that safety measures should go beyond temporary responses following tragic incidents.

De Lima said violence has no place in schools or anywhere in society, adding that no student should ever become either a victim or a perpetrator of violence.

She said parents should never have to choose between their children’s education and their safety, urging authorities to ensure that schools remain safe and secure learning environments.

Rather than reacting only after tragedies occur, De Lima said government and education officials should examine the broader causes of school violence with the help of experts, including the personal circumstances of students and gaps in existing systems and policies that may have contributed to such incidents.

The lawmaker also emphasized that effective policies should involve parents, teachers, school administrators, mental health professionals, government agencies, and the wider community.

De Lima said protecting children and maintaining peace and order in schools are shared responsibilities essential to safeguarding the country’s future.