President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called for a whole-of-community approach to protect Filipino youth following recent tragedies involving minors.
In a vlog posted on June 27, Marcos cited the fatal shooting inside a Tacloban classroom that killed three and injured 20, two stabbing incidents in Cavite schools, and the drowning deaths of Ateneo de Manila University student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a team-building activity in Aurora.
He said schools should be places of learning and growth, not fear. He directed the Department of Education, Department of Health, Philippine National Police, and local government units to strengthen student safety measures.
The President also urged youth to seek help when needed and reminded parents to maintain open communication with their children.
