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In our Gospel today (Matthew 10:37-42), Jesus tells us, ‘Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.’

How demanding! How can we love God more than father, mother, son, or daughter?

Let me try to make inroads into this passage in a roundabout way.

The readings for a Sunday Mass during Ordinary Time follow a certain logic. There is always a link between the Gospel and the First Reading, and the Psalm is always a response to the First Reading. The Second Reading, however, stands apart: it is not chosen to connect thematically with the other texts. Instead, its purpose is to immerse us in as many of the New Testament letters as the season of Ordinary Time allows. An attentive listener may still hear a spiritual resonance among the readings, but this flows from the hearer’s own prayer and experience rather than from any deliberate design.

So what can be the connection between the Gospel and the First Reading? Before scrolling down, try to figure it out for yourself… (The readings can be found here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/062826.cfm)

A surface link that can easily be made is between what Jesus says, ‘Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward’ and what the woman from Shunem receives as a reward because of her hospitality to the prophet Elisha. But of course, there are more connections when we start digging deeper.

A seemingly barren couple is blessed with a child. This is a story that appears several times in our Christian lore. It happened to Sarah and Abraham, who met the promise with laughter in Genesis 17:17, saying, ‘Can a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Can Sarah give birth at ninety?’ Sarah herself laughed in Genesis 18:12 and thought, ‘Now that I am worn out and my husband is old, am I still to have sexual pleasure?’ To this laughing husband and wife was given Isaac, whose name means ‘He will laugh.’

It happened to Hannah and Elkanah. While Hannah may have prayed quietly, her lips moving but her voice silent (see 1 Samuel 1:13), God still listened and gave her Samuel, which can mean, ‘God has heard.’

It happened to Anne and Joachim, the grandparents of Jesus according to the apocryphal Protoevangelium of James. Joachim had gone to the Temple in Jerusalem with offerings, but he was rebuked and humiliated by the High Priest because he was childless. He withdrew to the wilderness in bitterness, where he fasted and prayed, even as his wife lamented and wailed in her garden. But an angel of the Lord was sent to both, announcing that they would conceive. They would name this child Mary, which, from its Hebrew roots, can either mean ‘bitterness,’ echoing the parents’ sorrow, or ‘wished-for child,’ reflecting their longing.

How can we love God more than father, mother, son, or daughter? By seeing that father, mother, son, and daughter are all gifts, and they come from the one Giver, God.

But wait, we can dig deeper still…

What did Abraham, Hannah, and Anne and Joachim do with their most cherished gifts? When God asked Abraham to offer his son, Abraham did not withhold Isaac from God. After weaning Samuel, Hannah brought her son to the house of the Lord in Shiloh and dedicated him to God. And when Mary was three years old, Anne and Joachim presented their daughter at the Temple, where she grew up.

How could Abraham, Hannah, and Anne and Joachim do this? We can get a clue from another meaning of the name Samuel: ‘I have borrowed him from God.’ We can also say that this is a sign that they loved God more than their children. But I think we should also say that they trusted the Lord so much they could entrust their children to God. You can love the Lord more than father, mother, son, and daughter when you believe that God has the best plans for your loved ones-better than any plan you could have.

Because Abraham did not withhold Isaac from God, Isaac became the son who was the first of Abraham’s many descendants, as many the stars in the sky and the sands of the seashore. Because Hannah dedicated her son to the service of God, Samuel became one of Israel’s greatest prophets. And we all know the role Mary played in our salvation.

Jesus tells us, ‘Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.’ But he also says, ‘Whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me.’ The ‘follow after me’ is important. It tells us that whatever the Lord asks us to do, God has already done first. He is always walking ahead of us.

The Greek word translated as ‘worthy’ is axios, from which we get the word ‘axis,’ the fulcrum or hinge that allows a balance scale to tilt up or down. ‘Axis’ connotes a balance, how one side is equal to-maybe even worthy of-the other side. But if you think about it, there is a great imbalance between what we can offer God and what God has already done for us. Just one case in point: While God stopped Abraham from sacrificing his son Isaac, the Lord was willing to die on the cross for us.

‘Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.’ There are two possible Greek words for the verb ‘love.’ Phileo and agapao. There are instances in the Bible when the two are synonyms. But there are also instances when agapao connotes something deeper, a self-sacrificing love. For example, in John 13:34 when Jesus commands us to love one another as he loves us, the verb is agapao. In John 3:16, when we are told that God so loved the world that he gave us his only Son, the verb is also agapao. In the passage, ‘Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me,’ what do you think is the Greek word that is used? Phileo or agapao?

The answer: Phileo. I think we can say that the deepest love we can have for father, mother, son, and daughter is not only to love them ourselves, but to entrust them to God’s love.

Your prayer assignment this week:

Last week’s reflection (https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/health-and-family/2026/06/21/2536783/have-you-ever-felt-you-were-losing-your-religion) got me watching the music videos of R.E.M. again. This week, I suggest two R.E.M. songs for you to contemplate.

The first is ‘Shiny Happy People’ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYOKMUTTDdA). In the video, R.E.M. and guest singer Kate Pierson dance in front of a rotating backdrop of shiny happy scenes. The backdrop is propelled by an old man pedaling on a stationary bicycle behind the scenes. Behind the scenes. For me, this is a reminder of how God is behind all that which makes us happy and makes us shine. He is the Giver behind all the gifts. He is the reason we have father, mother, son, daughter, friend, and lover. How can we not love God more than these?

Watch the video thinking of all the people you love. Whatever their names, call them ‘Samuel’-borrowed from God. Can you lift them up to God as Abraham, Hannah, and Anne and Joachim did?

Continue watching the video until the end. The old man will slow down, but a young girl comes… How can you be like the young girl to God?

‘Shiny Happy People’ is a strange song for R.E.M. because it is unabashedly… well… happy and shiny, not at all brooding like their other songs that tapped into the angst of my generation. But if you ask me, there is another R.E.M. song that is actually more positive and buoyant. This is the second song I suggest you pray with: ‘It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine).’

The last part of the long title is important: ‘I Feel Fine.’ R.E.M. sings of earthquakes, hurricanes, wire in a fire, and a government for hire, and other things that seem out of our control. The world is changing. But ‘I feel fine.’ Some have interpreted this as a sarcastic remark. For others, it is about indifference. But for people of faith, it can mean that despite all the trouble that we are in, we can feel fine. We are fine. We can trust in the One behind the scenes, pedaling and keeping the world rotating. He has plans for us that are better than what we can ever dream of.

Seven varieties of ube grow in Bohol: Kinampay, Binanag, Baligunhon, Iniling, Kabus, Tamisan, and Binato.

Of all these, Chef Rhea Castro SyCip’s favorite is Kinampay, because it is fragrant, sticky, and has a natural purple color. She uses a lot of it in her cakes and pastries. She discovered it during the time when she and husband Chef JayJay SyCip lived in Bohol.

Now that they are back in Manila and Tagaytay, they heavily use Kinampay on their food businesses, which includes Flour Pot, a café and patisserie, and The Fatted Calf, a full-service destination dining restaurant.

As a former Bohol resident, the couple does not have trouble for their ube supply, specifically Kinampay. This high-value, premium ube variety, which is revered in Bohol, has a very fragrant, almost perfume-like, nature. The smell of the Kinampay when it is being steamed gives off an earthy, fragrant smell. Its chewiness is likewise incomparable and is perfect for cakes. It only grows in Dauis, Bohol.

It is also while the couple stayed in Bohol that Chef Rhea discovered that Ube Kinampay can be used in savory dishes, too. So she shares this recipe of Nilubihang Kagang at Kinampay, which she and Chef JayJay learned in Loboc and enjoyed eating during their days in Bohol.

Dry land crabs and rare premium ube go together so well that Chef Rhea could still almost taste it in her memory.

Nilubihang Kagang at Kinampay

Ingredients:

1 kg. Kagang (dry land crabs)*

3 tbsps. oil

1 pc. onion, sliced

2 cloves garlic

1 pc. tanglad (lemongrass), tied into a knot

Juice from 2 pcs. buko (coconuts)

Shredded coconut meat from the 2 pcs. buko

1 pc. ube, preferably kinampay variety, cut into shoestring fries shapes

A handful of humutan or basil leaves

Procedure:

1. Clean and scrub crabs well.

2. Sauté onions and garlic in oil. Add tanglad, coconut meat, ube, and half of basil leaves.

3. Add crabs (*if Kagang is unavailable, it may be replaced with mud crabs). Sauté until crabs lightly change in color. Pour in coconut juice.

4. Simmer then season with salt and pepper and add remaining basil leaves.

The Mandaue City Government is eyeing a bigger budget for 2027, with city officials proposing to increase the city’s annual allocation from the current ?4.5 billion to between ?4.8 billion and ?5 billion.

Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano said the city will continue to adopt what he described as a “more realistic” budget while increasing spending to address the growing needs of residents.

According to Ouano, Mandaue maintained the same ?4.5-billion budget in both 2025 and 2026. The proposed increase for next year is anchored on projected growth in collections from business taxes, real property taxes (RPT), and the National Tax Allocation (NTA).

“By next year mu-increase to ?4.8 up to ?5 billion,” said Ouano.

The mayor, however, clarified that the proposed budget is still subject to final approval following the city’s budget deliberations.

The city government recently held its 2027 Budget Forum to discuss proposed appropriations and funding priorities.

Among the city’s top priorities for next year are education and healthcare. The proposed budget will also provide funding for flood mitigation projects, public safety initiatives, and housing programs.

“As always… mao man gyud na ang atong mga priorities,” said Ouano.

Ouano said that aside from flooding and traffic congestion, one of Mandaue City’s biggest challenges remains providing adequate housing, particularly for families displaced by disasters such as fires.

He expressed hope that the city would eventually be able to address the housing shortage.

“Kapila ko gipangutana unsa kunoy nakit-an nako nga pinaka dakong challenge sa city, muingon gyud ko og permi na besides sa flooding and traffic, naa man gyud na di man na mawagtang, kini gyung housing,” said Ouano.

The mayor acknowledged that Mandaue continues to attract people because of employment opportunities, but the influx has also increased the demand for housing.

“So mao na ang atong challenge. Sa akong giingon dili man sad ta ganahan magpabalhin kung walay tay relocation,” said Ouano.

To help address the housing backlog, the city is constructing Tipolo Residences Buildings 3 and 4 in Barangay Tipolo.

However, Ouano admitted that the project will accommodate only a fraction of the families needing permanent homes. The new building can house only about 100 families, while around 700 families are still waiting for permanent relocation.

At present, these families are temporarily staying at Pasilong sa Paradise, Paglaum Village, and Bayanihan Village in Barangay Guizo.

“Challenging para nato sa city pero nangita ta og pamaagi ana,” said Ouano.

For the health sector, Ouano said the city’s free medicines program covering all 27 barangays will continue.

“Ato na siyang ipadayon,” said Ouano.

Meanwhile, the mayor said two of his major campaign commitments-the construction of a modern Mandaue City Hospital and a dedicated building for Mandaue City College-have already entered the bidding stage.

While awaiting the start of construction, the city government is preparing for the procurement of equipment and the hiring of additional personnel needed to operate the facilities once completed.

“Mao sad na ang atong pangandaman sad, kinahanglan ta og additional revenue,” said Ouano.

As of June, the city has nearly reached its revenue collection target for the year, according to the mayor.

“Hapit na pero layo-layo pa man sad ta sa December,” said Ouano, adding that the city’s revenue goal remains attainable because its target is realistic.

Pangilinan-led Philex Mining Corp. expects to begin commercial operations of its Silangan project by the third quarter, barring any further delays in the completion of the processing plant.

Philex president and CEO Eulalio Austin Jr. said that most of the major infrastructure for the Surigao del Norte gold and copper facility has been completed.

‘All the heavy lifting works have already been done, and we are just a stone’s throw away from completion,’ Austin added.

He said that the underground mine and the tailings storage facility have been substantially completed as of the end of April.

The remaining major infrastructure, the mine’ processing plant, is being gradually turned over by the company’s contractor EEI Corp.

The nearly completed facility will be the country’s first fully automated gold copper oxide processing plant and metal copper leaching.

The Silangan gold-copper mine was originally set for operation by the first quarter of this year but was moved to the third quarter due to challenges in the construction and mechanical installation phases of the processing plant.

‘The revision was not made likely as we fully understood that there would always be early challenges in any new project or venture,’ Austin said. ‘Our short-term sacrifices, for sure, will be solved for long-term gains.’

Once operational, the Silangan project is expected to broaden Philex’s mineral portfolio and lessen its dependence on the nearly 68-year-old Padcal mine in Benguet.

The facility will also strengthen the firm’s role as a key contributor to the Philippines’ drive to position itself as a global supplier of critical minerals.

Despite nearing the end of Padcal’s mine life by 2028, Austin said the company continues exploration activities at the Benguet site in hopes of extending its operations.

‘Confirmatory drilling to validate previously discovered ore resources in the 1980s has been done, and the ore resource estimation is ongoing,’ he added.

An initial study on the exploration activities is set to be completed by the end of this year.

In the science of artificial intelligence (AI), there is a concept called technological singularity.

It is the most dangerous level of AI, of technology and indeed, of science itself, for a number of reasons, like it’s new, unknown, unpredictable and infinite in its capabilities. Think of robots with intelligence infinitely better than that of humans. Imagine if those robots start believing humans are an existential threat and make humans extinct. These robots have what is called recursive behavior. They keep improving themselves until they are stopped by, maybe, God himself, assuming they will recognize God.

Imagine if the robots become more abusive and rapacious than humans. Like being worse than the humans we have in Congress and in our Senate. Therefore, they will run even more corrupt and repressive governments, use up natural resources recklessly, murder their own citizens and consume every megawatt of energy available on earth. They will constantly engage in internecine warfare in a classic case of survival of the fittest. Imagine daily mass shootings in schools, offices, malls, parking lots – inspired by robots. A Ukraine war or Iran war multiplied a hundred-fold – inspired by robots gone berserk.

The possibility of such scenarios – a technological meltdown: 10 to 50 percent, according to some analysts. Compare that to the possibility of a nuclear meltdown – one in a million.

‘Technological singularity is a theoretical scenario where technological growth becomes uncontrollable and irreversible, culminating in profound and unpredictable changes to human civilization,’ says IBM in a paper.

For humans, ‘scenarios range from utopian (merging human consciousness with machines and solving biological aging) to existential (loss of human autonomy and control over the created superintelligence),’ says Google.

When is that moment? It could be between the next five years and 2045 – the year futurist Ray Kurzweil thinks when machine intelligence exceeds human intelligence, thanks to endless scaling of computer power.

That will come when AI, explains IBM, exceeds ‘human cognitive capabilities and can autonomously enhance itself.’ ‘Singularity’ is a mathematical concept indicating a point where existing models break down and continuity in understanding is lost. This describes an era where ‘machines not only match but substantially exceed human intelligence, starting a cycle of self-perpetuating technological evolution.’

Advances could evolve at a pace so rapid that humans would be unable to foresee, mitigate or halt the process, says IBM, adding, ‘This rapid evolution could give rise to synthetic intelligences that are not only autonomous but also capable of innovations that are beyond human comprehension or control. The possibility that machines might create even more advanced versions of themselves could shift humanity into a new reality where humans are no longer the most capable entities. The implications of reaching this singularity point could be good for the human race, or catastrophic.’

The IBM paper identifies several technologies could help bring about the singularity event – the rise of a superintelligent AI:

Artificial neural networks and deep learning. These technologies form the backbone of much of today’s AI research and development. They mimic the structure and function of the human brain to some extent and have enabled significant advancements in machine learning. Neural networks are especially crucial for tasks such as speech recognition, image recognition and autonomous vehicle navigation.

Quantum computing. It exponentially increases computing power and efficiency in the near future, potentially accelerating AI capabilities beyond current limits. This technology might lead to breakthroughs in AI’s ability to solve complex problems much faster than traditional computers.

Natural language processing (NLP). Advances exemplified by technologies such as ChatGPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) models are crucial for developing AI that can understand and generate human-like text. This ability is vital for AI to perform more complex tasks that require understanding context and nuance in language.

Robotics and automation. Innovations in robotics are increasingly enabling machines to perform tasks that require dexterity and decision-making that were once thought to be exclusively human. These advancements are not only automating more physical tasks but are also integrating AI to create more autonomous systems.

Cloud computing and big data. The vast increase in data generation and the ability to store and process it in the cloud are vital for training more powerful AI systems. Big data analytics and the cloud infrastructure that supports it enable the complex machine learning models necessary for advanced AI development.

Biotechnology and brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). Advances in understanding the human brain and mimicking its functions are crucial for creating AI that could potentially think and learn in the same way as humans. Additionally, BCIs that connect human brains directly to computers merge biological and artificial intelligence.

So far, current testing of various AI models about their humanity involves something as homegrown as how to treat your mother-in-law. Here are some answers, by AI:

Treat your mother-in-law with respect but maintain objective boundaries. Do not treat her as a second mother to avoid unrealistic expectations.

Be brief and specific. Respond to questions with short, direct answers to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings.

No unsolicited opinions. Refrain from voicing your opinion on family disputes or decisions unless directly asked.

Partner’s role: your spouse should take the active role in managing visits and setting boundaries so you are not in the middle.

The pope has no mother-in-law (of course). Leo XIV thinks AI is not morally neutral and poses an existential threat to human dignity, labor and peace if left in the hands of a few. He actively advocates for ‘disarming’ AI by subjecting algorithms to rigorous ethical constraints, international oversight and slowing down the pace of technological development.

The Philippines was cited among the world’s worst human rights performers after receiving poor marks in both quality of life and protection from state abuses, the Human Rights Measurement Initiative (HRMI) 2026 said on Thursday.

According to the New Zealand-based rights tracker, the country’s economic and social rights situation may have deteriorated significantly due to the effects of the economic crisis, war, political violence and natural disasters.

The HRMI gave the Philippines a score of 74.9 percent on quality of life based on its income-adjusted benchmark, which measures access to food, education, health care, housing and work.

Under the global best benchmark, the country received a score of 72.5 percent.

‘Compared with the other countries in Southeast Asia, the Philippines is performing worse than average on Quality of Life rights,’ it said.

The report also flagged the country’s performance in civil and political rights.

With an overall score of 4.6 out of 10, HRMI said Filipinos have not been safe from arbitrary arrest, forced disappearance, extrajudicial execution, torture and ill-treatment.

Meanwhile, the country scored 5.4 out of 10 on empowerment, indicating that many Filipinos are not fully enjoying civil liberties and political freedoms.

Among specific rights, freedom of assembly and association received the lowest score at 4.3, followed by freedom of speech at 5.4, democratic rights at 7.0 and freedom of religion and belief at 7.9.

The Philippines was among more than 50 countries included in HRMI’s inaugural dataset, alongside Argentina, Burkina Faso, North Korea, the Republic of the Congo, South Africa and Zambia.

The HRMI 2026 used a multilingual expert survey to assess countries’ civil and political rights, while the Social and Economic Rights Fulfillment Index methodology was used to measure economic and social rights outcomes.

The Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) will conduct a traffic management dry run tonight to test exit routes for motorists leaving the SM Seaside Cebu Arena.

The simulation, which will run from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m., is part of the city’s preparations for the arena’s grand opening on July 11.

Officials said the exercise is intended to validate circulation and egress plans to ensure the safe and efficient movement of vehicles during large-scale events expected to draw tens of thousands of spectators.

During the dry run, temporary traffic adjustments will be implemented along F. Vestil Street and nearby roads.

The scheme will include the use of a portion of F. Vestil Street as a one-way exit route toward N. Bacalso Avenue and C. Padilla Street, the introduction of a counterflow lane for northbound traffic, and the allocation of three lanes for northbound vehicles while maintaining one lane for southbound traffic.

A designated U-turn slot will also be opened across from Mitsubishi for motorists returning toward N. Bacalso Avenue and C. Padilla Street.

Traffic signs, directional markers, and personnel will be deployed to guide drivers and monitor conditions.

Motorists are advised to expect delays, follow traffic enforcers’ instructions, and plan their trips accordingly.

The dry run comes as city officials intensify coordination with SM Prime Holdings ahead of the arena’s launch.

Earlier, Mayor Nestor Archival met with Arnel Gonzales, Vice President and General Manager of the SM Arena, and the venue’s management team to finalize traffic, parking, and evacuation protocols.

Archival previously emphasized that public safety and the orderly flow of vehicles remain the city’s top priorities.

The meeting followed a multi-agency inspection on June 9, during which drainage, accessibility, and waste management systems were reviewed to align the venue’s operations with Cebu’s long-term development plans.

Located within the SM Seaside Complex at the South Road Properties, the 25,000-seat arena is set to become one of the largest indoor venues in the Philippines.

Designed to host concerts, sporting events, and international acts, it features advanced digital infrastructure, premium suites, and multi-functional event spaces.

With major shows already booked, including performances by BINI, IV of Spades, and LANY, the city government and SM Prime are determined to make the arena’s opening not only a milestone for Cebu’s entertainment scene but also a showcase of the city’s readiness to host world-class gatherings.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will be probing the taxi drivers who, instead of using the fare meter, offered a contract to two Thai pageant winners.

LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II said the investigation would not be limited to the two drivers involved in the incident but also the taxi operators.

‘We will be coordinating with the Philippine National Police to get all the necessary information that could lead to the identification of the taxi drivers. We will be providing the information needed for the identification of the operators and, eventually, in holding all of them accountable,’ Mendoza said.

Based on the report, the incident happened on June 13 during the visit of two Thai models for an event in the country.

The two hailed a cab, but the driver allegedly refused to use the taxi meter and opted for a contract.

Later, the driver stopped the vehicle, claiming that the car bogged down. The driver allegedly connived with another cab driver in stealing the cellular phone of the foreign model.

‘This is not acceptable. We assure the victims that we will exhaust all measures to hold these drivers accountable. And even their operators will not be spared,’ Mendoza said.

He said the LTFRB would issue show-cause orders to the drivers and operators.

The Department of Education (DepEd) is rolling out a nationwide School Safety Campaign that includes deploying handheld metal detectors in public schools, conducting security audits and strengthening anti-bullying measures following the deadly school shooting in Tacloban City.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara announced the campaign on Friday, June 26, saying the department is moving quickly to reinforce school safety through stronger security protocols and closer coordination with local governments, law enforcement agencies, parents and communities.

‘We are moving with urgency because protecting our children is our absolute priority, and as President Bongbong Marcos always emphasizes, our schools must strictly remain safe zones for learning,’ Angara said.

‘Hindi natin hahayaang malagay sa panganib ang ating mga mag-aaral. Kaya lalo nating hihigpitan ang koordinasyon sa ating mga partner at stakeholder upang masigurong hindi na mauulit ang ganitong trahedya,’ he added.

(We will not allow our students to be put at risk. That is why we will further strengthen our coordination with our partners and stakeholders to ensure that a tragedy like this will never happen again.)

The initiative comes after the June 22 shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City involving two students. The incident left three students dead and injured more than a dozen others.

Angara visited Tacloban on June 23 to extend condolences to the victims’ families and check on the condition of the injured students and affected teachers. During the visit, he ordered the immediate implementation of stricter security protocols in schools.

On Friday, Angara also convened all DepEd regional directors to ensure the immediate and uniform implementation of the new security measures nationwide.

Under the campaign, all public schools will be equipped with handheld metal detectors. DepEd will also enforce stricter visitor management systems, regular bag inspections, the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and the strategic deployment of security personnel.

The department said school officials will undergo reorientation on the Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment, the Anti-Bullying Act and existing child protection policies. Schools will also review their reporting, investigation, referral and intervention procedures.

Schools Division Offices have been directed to work closely with local police, parents and barangay officials, while DepEd is coordinating with the Philippine National Police, Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, Liga ng mga Barangay, Department of Social Welfare and Development and Department of Health to align response protocols.

The campaign also includes expanding confidential reporting channels for bullying and violence, updating emergency response protocols for lockdowns and evacuations, rolling out age-appropriate digital citizenship and online safety programs, and providing psychological first aid, counseling and psychosocial support to victims, perpetrators and witnesses of violence.

To encourage reporting, DepEd said schools will establish accessible and confidential channels for students to report bullying, violence and other protection concerns. Schools will also update their emergency response protocols for incidents involving active violence, lockdowns and evacuations.

The department is also set to introduce age-appropriate digital citizenship and online safety programs for students, parents and school personnel to address risks in the digital space.

Meanwhile, DepEd said victims, perpetrators and witnesses of violence will be provided with psychological first aid, counseling and psychosocial support as part of its comprehensive intervention program.

The rollout of the School Safety Campaign comes as the government moves to address a recent string of violent incidents involving minors.

On Thursday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered concerned government agencies to determine the root causes of the recent cases of school-related violence after expressing alarm over the incidents.

Aside from the June 22 shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City that left three students dead and more than a dozen others injured, authorities also reported several stabbing incidents involving students in Cavite and Negros Occidental this month.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government likewise said it had thwarted another potential school shooting in Tolosa, Leyte, following a tip received by authorities.

Handheld metal detectors will be made mandatory in schools while anti-bullying measures will be strengthened, as part of a comprehensive nationwide school safety campaign.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara launched the campaign yesterday following the deadly shooting at the San Jose National High School in Tacloban City.

The initiative aims to unite schools, parents, local government units, law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders to reinforce prevention, reporting, response and intervention mechanisms to curb bullying, improve campus safety and ensure timely support for learners and school personnel.

‘We are moving with urgency because protecting our children is our absolute priority, and as President Bongbong Marcos always emphasizes, our schools must strictly remain safe zones for learning,’ Angara said.

‘We will not let our students be put at risk,’ he added.

Under the multi-layered school safety strategy, all schools will be equipped with handheld metal detectors, establish strict visitor management systems, conduct regular bag inspections, install closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV) and strategically deploy security personnel.

Public schools are likewise undergoing safety audits to assess perimeter fencing, visitor access points, lighting and emergency exits to identify and strengthen high-risk campuses.

Angara also ordered the systematic reorientation of school administrators on the guidelines on ensuring a safe and motivating learning environment, the Anti-Bullying Act and existing child protection policies, along with a review of school-level reporting, investigation, referral and intervention procedures.

Schools Division Offices are working closely with local police, parents and barangay officials while aligning response protocols with the Philippine National Police (PNP), Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, Liga ng mga Barangay, Department of Social Welfare and Development and Department of Health.

They were directed to convene leaders of Supreme Learner Governments and school governing parent-teacher associations to gather real-time information on bullying incidents, cyberbullying concerns and barriers to reporting threats; establish confidential reporting channels for learner protection concerns and roll out age-appropriate digital citizenship and online safety programs.

Meanwhile, the Tacloban City government has begun implementing measures to help San Jose National High School recover from the tragedy.

On Thursday, Mayor Alfred Romualdez met with school head Liezel Pulga, teachers, school staff, DepEd officials, PNP commanders and city officials to discuss immediate interventions before classes resume.

Among the city’s immediate initiatives is the repainting of classrooms and selected school facilities to provide students and teachers with a refreshed learning environment.

The city government is also strengthening campus security by installing additional CCTV cameras, improving perimeter fences, setting up panic buttons linked directly to the nearest police station, deploying guards and assigning one male and one female police officer to inspect bags and monitor school entrances.

They also plan to fund additional school guards across the division.