The Department of Education (DepEd) has identified 38 students as high-risk for developing serious mental health conditions following the deadly school shooting in Tacloban City, prompting the agency to implement long-term psychological interventions.
During the Senate Committee on Basic Education hearing on Thursday, July 9, DepEd Undersecretary Malcolm Garma reported that 38 of the 603 learners who received psychosocial support after the incident were assessed as requiring more intensive mental health care beyond Psychological First Aid (PFA).
"Out of the 600 learners who have undergone psychosocial support, our facilitators were able to identify that 38 of them are now classified to be high risk. At ang pagkakaalam ko po, pagka high-risk na ito, it's no longer first aid lang, but they have to undergo deeper and higher level of intervention. And that would now involve PTSD intervention," Garma told lawmakers.
The DepEd said long-term interventions have already been recommended for the affected students, while newly discharged patients and those who were unable to immediately receive mental health services continue to undergo psychological first aid.
Garma also updated the committee on the gradual resumption of classes at San Jose Central School, noting that many students remain traumatized by the incident.
"Nag-resume na ho yung klase in San Jose... Because seemingly, Mr. Chair, talagang laki ho ng trauma ng mga bata. Hindi lang po yung biktima, but even those who have witnessed and experienced the actual incident," he said.
According to DepEd, 235 Grade 7 students and 237 Grade 8 students have returned to face-to-face classes. However, attendance remains voluntary, with alternative learning modalities, including printed modules and online activities, being provided to students who are not yet ready to return.
Classes for Grades 9 and 10 have yet to resume because several classrooms damaged during the shooting are still undergoing repairs.
The agency also reported that security measures have been strengthened at the school, including the installation of a walk-through metal detector, ongoing construction of a higher perimeter fence with the assistance of the local government, and continued security inspections by personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Meanwhile, the juvenile suspects remain under the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) while undergoing the required evaluations.
DepEd emphasized that psychosocial support has also been extended to teachers, school personnel, and parents affected by the tragedy.
Garma acknowledged the assistance of various government agencies and partner organizations, saying 512 volunteers from government agencies, non-government organizations, and academic institutions conducted a three-day psychosocial intervention for affected learners, teachers, and families.
"Hindi po kaya ng DepEd lang yung provision ng PFAs... This is where we saw the efforts of the other stakeholders, including the DSWD, DOH, even the academic institutions, have really lent out their hands to help us in the recovery of our learners, teachers, and parents," he said.
DepEd said its priority is to restore a sense of normalcy in schools while ensuring that students, teachers, and families continue to receive the psychological support needed to recover from the tragedy.
