President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday called for stronger, united action from government agencies, schools, parents, and communities to ensure the safety and well-being of Filipino children following a series of recent tragedies involving students.
In his vlog “Proteksiyunan ang Kabataan,” the President said he was speaking not only as the country’s chief executive but also as a 'father' concerned about the safety of the youth.
“Ngayong araw, hindi lamang bilang Pangulo ang aking pananalita, kundi bilang isang ama, bilang kapwa Pilipino, at bilang isang taong lubos na nag-aalala sa kaligtasan ng ating mga anak,” Marcos said.
The President cited several school incidents, including the school shooting in Tacloban City, fatal stabbing cases inside schools in Cavite, and the deaths of two student-athletes during a team-building activity. He said that while the circumstances differed, they all underscored the urgent need to strengthen child protection measures.
“Kailangang maprotektahan ang ating mga kabataan,” the President emphasized.
“Maprotektahan laban sa karahasan. Maprotektahan laban sa kapabayaan. Maprotektahan laban sa panganib. At maprotektahan laban sa mga tahimik na pinagdaraanan at pasaning dinadala ng marami sa kanila.”
Marcos stressed that schools must remain safe spaces for learning and personal development, not places of fear for parents and students.
“Ang paaralan ay dapat maging lugar ng pagkatuto, pangarap, at pag-unlad—hindi lugar kung saan nangangamba ang mga magulang para sa kaligtasan ng kanilang mga anak,” he said.
The President directed the Department of Education (DepEd), the Department of Health (DOH), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and local government units—to strengthen coordination and reinforce measures that safeguard students nationwide.
He also emphasized that every Filipino child has the right to grow up in a safe environment where they can dream freely and feel supported, noting that the country’s future depends on its youth.
Beyond security measures, Marcos also called for a renewed emphasis on values such as kindness, discipline, and respect among young people. He urged parents to prioritize spending time with their children and maintaining open communication at home.
“Spend time with your children,” the President said. “Huwag maliitin ang halaga ng isang simpleng pag-uusap kasama ang inyong anak. Minsan, ang pinakamahalagang proteksyong maibibigay natin sa ating mga anak ay ang ating oras, atensyon, at pag-unawa,” he added.
Addressing students, Marcos reminded them that seeking help is not a sign of weakness.
“Sa bawat estudyanteng nanonood ngayon: Mahalaga ang iyong buhay. Mahalaga ang iyong mga pinagdaraanan. At ang paghingi ng tulong ay hindi kailanman tanda ng kahinaan,” he said.
“Sapagkat ang tunay na lakas ng ating bansa ay nakasalalay sa kaligtasan, kapakanan, at mga pangarap ng susunod na henerasyon,” the president noted.
