In light of a recent incident involving a private educational institution in Quezon City, the City Government has issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of all students. Mayor Joy Belmonte emphasized that while the oversight of private schools primarily falls under the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Education (DepEd), the city will take a proactive stance to protect its students and advocate for their well-being.
The Quezon City Council, led by Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, will conduct an investigation in aid of legislation to thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. This initiative, to be led by Majority Floor Leader Dorothy “Doray” Delarmente and Councilor Aly Medalla, Chairperson of the Committee on Education, seeks to identify gaps in existing policies and protocols and propose appropriate measures to address them.
“The safety of students is a matter that transcends jurisdictions. This investigation reflects our firm resolve to ensure that such incidents are thoroughly examined and that we take all necessary steps to prevent them from happening again,” said Mayor Belmonte.
The investigation will focus on the following areas:
1. Event Organization and Oversight
2. Student Safety and Security Protocols
3. Supervision of Students During Activities
4. Policies and fees on Mandatory Participation
5. Stakeholder Feedback and Engagement
6. Coordination with LGUs and Relevant Authorities
7. Compliance with National Regulations
8. Support Systems for Affected Students and Families
Councilor Aly Medalla underscored the need for this initiative: “This is not just about addressing a single incident; it’s about ensuring that every institution in Quezon City, public or private, upholds the highest standards of safety and student welfare.”
Majority Floor Leader Doray Delarmente added, “The Council is committed to using the findings of this investigation to craft legislative measures that address gaps and strengthen protections for our students. We also aim to collaborate with CHED and DepEd to ensure a unified approach to these concerns.”
The Quezon City Government assures the public that it will remain transparent throughout the investigation. Findings will be used to guide local policies and will also serve as recommendations to national agencies to improve their oversight mechanisms.
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