[OPINION] Beyond blame: Building schools that see, listen, and care (opens original article in a new tab)

The Tacloban school shooting underscores the need for Philippine schools to address systemic issues in student well-being, including bullying and lack of mental health support, by fostering care and relationships rather than relying solely on security measures.

• The Tacloban school shooting highlights systemic issues in Philippine schools regarding student well-being and support systems.
• International assessments show high rates of bullying among Filipino students, with 43% of girls and 53% of boys experiencing bullying monthly.
• The Philippines faces a severe shortage of guidance counselors, with one counselor for every 14,000 students, leading to inadequate support for students' emotional and mental health needs.
• The article emphasizes the need for schools to focus on building relationships and care systems rather than just security measures to prevent violence.