𝐕𝐌 𝐁𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐭, 𝐉𝐨𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐞𝐳 𝐩𝐮𝐬𝐡 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬 𝐎𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

VICE Mayor Bebot Rodriguez and Councilor Jonjon Rodriguez are proposing an ordinance that would establish a comprehensive school safety framework for Cagayan de Oro. 

The proposed Cagayan de Oro Safe Schools Ordinance of 2026 was presented during a joint meeting of the committees on public order and safety, on health, nutrition, and health insurance, on social services, and on education.

The measure adopts a proactive approach to school safety, focusing on prevention, preparedness, early intervention, and coordinated response to protect students, teachers, school personnel, and the wider school community.

In her sponsorship speech, VM Bebot emphasized the importance of creating a school environment where concerns can be addressed before they escalate into serious threats.

“The goal is clear: safer schools where concerns are heard, risks are addressed, and help is available before danger becomes harm,” she said.

The proposed ordinance builds on a legislative measure earlier presented by Councilor Jonjon in his special report on June 27, 2026, where he raised concerns over the increasing incidence of school-based violence in the country.

Councilor Jonjon emphasized the need for the city to adopt a comprehensive and integrated school safety framework that goes beyond responding to incidents after they occur.

Under the proposed measure, schools would be encouraged to establish school-based threat assessment mechanisms, secure referral and reporting systems, mental health support, alert and emergency systems, stricter campus access protocols, and regular safety drills.

For the authors, school safety requires more than physical security. It calls for a coordinated system that promotes prevention, early detection, mental health support, preparedness, and timely intervention.

Through the proposed measure, the city seeks to strengthen its commitment to protecting children and ensuring that schools remain safe spaces and peace zones. 

Following the first hearing, the joint committees will conduct another round of deliberations, with the Local School Board, DepEd–Division of Cagayan de Oro, and other concerned agencies to be invited to provide further inputs before the measure moves forward.

Vice Mayor Bebot reaffirmed commitment to advancing the proposed ordinance as part of efforts to create safer learning environments for students and teachers across the city.  (JDO/SP)