THE Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) has sounded the alarm following three incidents of violence in schools in Cavite and Tacloban City.
In a statement, CEAP said such incidents are alarming considering that educational institutions are supposed to be safe havens for the youth.
"CEAP expresses profound alarm and deep sorrow over the recent stabbing and shooting incidents on separate school campuses. These tragic events, which claimed lives and inflicted serious injuries, mark a harrowing escalation from bullying and peer conflicts to outright killings," CEAP said.
"Schools, meant to be sanctuaries of learning, growth, and formation, are now turning into places of fear and violence," it added.
The organization of Catholic schools, then, said there is a need to put equal weight to the development of the character and values of students.
According to CEAP, the Department of Education (DepEd) and Commission on Higher Education (Ched) must not be too focused on the academic achievement and workforce readiness of learners.
"These recent events further remind us that education reform must continue to uphold a holistic view of the learner -- one that advances academic achievement and workforce readiness while also nurturing character, values, emotional well-being, and social responsibility," said CEAP.
"CEAP calls on the government, DepEd, Ched, and all stakeholders for urgent, holistic reform that prioritizes integral human development over purely technical goals," it added.
On Monday, June 22, three students were killed and several others were left injured after two minors went on a shooting spree inside the San Jose National High School in Tacloban City.
On June 19, a senior high school student repeatedly stabbed an 18-year-old student at the Cavite National High School in Cavite City.
Last June 16, seven Grade 5 pupils of Bethel Academy of General Trias, Cavite, were injured after they were allegedly attacked by a Grade 8 student wielding a kitchen knife.
"We mourn with the bereaved families, stand in solidarity with the affected communities, and grieve the loss of innocence in our educational spaces" said CEAP. (Anton Banal/SunStar Philippines)
