THE Mandaue City Government is stepping up efforts to strengthen school security and expand mental health support for students, with a focus on early behavioral intervention, parental involvement and accessible psychological services.
The initiative was discussed during a joint coordination meeting led by Mayor Thadeo “Jonkie” Ouano with representatives of the Department of Education (DepEd)-Mandaue Division, the Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) and the City Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Office (SAMHSO).
Ouano has approved the hiring of three additional psychometricians to help address staffing gaps across Mandaue’s 48 public and 41 private schools.
City officials are also evaluating a school-clustering system to expand the reach of mental health services, while SAMHSO is set to launch a dedicated mental health helpline in September.
Riczen Gingoyon, Ouano’s executive secretary, said caregivers and educators must be alert to early signs of emotional distress among students.
Gingoyon said red flags include students “suddenly becoming withdrawn, losing interest in activities they previously enjoyed, and noticeable changes in mood or personality.”
Gingoyon explained the motivation behind the expansion of mental health services.
“There are guidance counselors in some public schools. Samhso is launching a hotline this September, and they asked for three additional psychometricians who will help serve, especially in these cases of depression and children in trouble. The mayor approved this to really address these issues,” Gingoyon said.
Meanwhile, DepEd-Mandaue Administrative Officer Edgar Espina announced plans to integrate good parenting workshops into upcoming general assemblies and school events.
Espina said parents share the responsibility of nurturing well-rounded citizens, noting that proper guidance starts
at home.
“Parents are a child’s first teachers.
Before the world teaches them what to know, parents teach them what is right, what is good, and how to become a person of integrity,” Espina said.
At the same time, Mandaue City is strengthening security around school campuses.
The city is expediting the procurement of seven walk-through metal detectors and 50 handheld security scanners.
Police officers have also expanded campus patrols to cover lunch periods and evening classes. Police visibility was first increased in 2025 during morning arrival and afternoon dismissal hours.
Dedicated mobile phones now link 24 schools directly to the police command center for round-the-clock live monitoring, while the remaining campuses are securing their own units. / ABC