CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – “When we prepare our schools, we protect our children. And when we protect our children, we safeguard the future of Pampanga.”
Thus, Gov. Lilia “Nanay” Pineda addressed some 500 school principals and division chiefs from across Pampanga participating in the Youth Summit on Strengthening School Leadership in Disaster Preparedness and Community Wellness held at the Kingsborough International Convention Center here on Oct. 28.
Aimed at empowering education officials to champion safety and resilience in schools, the Capitol sponsored summit served as a platform for school heads to share best practices, enhance their disaster response capabilities, and promote community wellness.
Enhancing preparedness and response
Provincial disaster risk reduction and management office chief Janica Yambao presented practical measures for disaster preparedness covering earthquakes, fires, typhoons, and flooding, along with the implementation of Department of Education Order No. 22, s. 2024 on class suspensions during weather disturbances.
The provincial government continues to strengthen school preparedness through the distribution of early warning systems, emergency supplies, and safety equipment, as well as the regular inspection of school facilities and the conduct of safety drills to ensure safe learning environments.
Ensuring campus security
To further promote school safety, the Pampanga Police Provincial Office led by Col. Eugene Marcelo, conducted a briefing on managing bomb threats and other security incidents.
Marcelo advised school officials to remain calm, coordinate promptly with law enforcement, and avoid panic during any potential threats or emergencies.
Promoting mental health and student wellness
Beyond disaster preparedness, the summit also highlighted the importance of mental health and psychosocial support in schools.
In collaboration with Dr. Monserrat Chichioco, medical center chief of the Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital, and Atty. Hannah Rosario of the Commission on Human Rights Region 3, the provincial government introduced a biopsychosocial-spiritual framework aimed at transforming guidance offices into centers of care and compassion—safe spaces where students can seek help and emotional support.
Through partnerships with the DepEd and health professionals, the Provincial Government of Pampanga continues to strengthen programs that promote student wellness, health protection, and disaster readiness—reaffirming its steadfast mission, as emphasized by Governor Pineda, to build safe, resilient, and compassionate learning environments where every Kapampangan learner can grow in body, mind, and spirit. Pampanga PIO/Photos: Jaja Glang, Daniel Ombina
