Updated: Jul 3
"Our schools should be places of learning, not fear."
This was the call to action of Councilor Jonjon Rodriguez as he delivered a special report during the 42nd Regular Session on the recent rise of school-based violence .
Rodriguez made the report in response to the disturbing rise in youth-related violence, including the recent school shooting in Tacloban City that claimed the lives of three and stirred discussion on stronger security and protection measures in school campuses.
Emphasizing that the issue is not new to Cagayan de Oro, Rodriguez recounted the bullying incidence in the city earlier this year, and the 2022 killing of a 14-year-old allegedly linked to a conflict between rival youth gangs.
He noted that such acts of violence involving children and young people have remained a serious public order and safety concern.
Drawing from his experience as former Punong Barangay of Barangay Nazareth, Rodriguez cited the inadequacy of school security which results in violent incidents within school premises.
Rodriguez stressed that legislation alone is not enough to address the issue. The need for cooperation of all stakeholders is necessary to effectively curb school-based violence.
He moved for the adoption of a resolution urging the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation, educational institutions, parents, barangays, and community organizations to implement coordinated intervention programs for at-risk youth.
Rodriguez also disclosed that he and Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez are the joint principal authors of a proposed ordinance that seeks to prevent, address, and reduce school-based violence in Cagayan de Oro through comprehensive preventive, protective, and intervention measures. (JDO/SP)
Updated: Jul 3
"Ang pag-ila sa imong gibati dili timailhan sa kahuyang, kundili usa ka timaan sa kaisog."
Councilor Jonjon Rodriguez shared this message in a video posted on his official Facebook page as part of his Men's Mental Health Awareness campaign, calling for greater awareness and stronger community support for men's mental health.
The video featured men answering the question of whether they believe men should always be strong. Most respondents answered "yes," citing society's expectation that men remain physically and emotionally resilient as they work to provide for and support their families.
As chairperson of the committee on social services and a mental health advocate, Rodriguez said these responses reflect the long-standing pressure on men to suppress their emotions and silently shoulder life's burdens.
He stressed the need to break the stigma surrounding mental health by fostering a culture where men feel safe expressing their emotions and seeking support when they need it.
The councilor emphasized that while resilience is a valuable quality, it should never come at the expense of one's mental well-being.
He added that mental health is an essential component of overall health and deserves the same attention and care as physical health.
Rodriguez likewise encouraged fathers, sons, brothers, husbands, friends, and all men in the community to prioritize their mental well-being by reaching out to trusted family members, friends, or mental health professionals whenever they feel overwhelmed. (JDO/SP)
Updated: Jul 3
City Council Imee Rose P. Moreno, an advocate for community service and development, participated in the handover and induction ceremony of the Rotary Club of Kalayaan of Cagayan de Oro City held on June 27, 2026 at N Hotel.
The event was attended by local government representatives, members of the club, business leaders, and community advocates, who support the club’s ongoing commitment to serve the community.
The event also formalized the transfer of leadership from the outgoing president, Ms. Aisa Bruneiry M. Alonto, to the newly elected president, Mr. Ralph Martin G. Rafanan.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Rafanan highlighted his vision for the club, focusing on youth development, health initiatives, and sustainable projects that will benefit the community.
Councilor Moreno congratulated the new president, saying his leadership will undoubtedly steer the club toward more impactful projects and opportunities for growth. (JBD/SP)