Atty. Caesar Distrito, MPA, DPA

25/06/2026

Ang ini nga resolution naga panawagan nga dapat ang ini nga mga tikang dapat himoon para mapasiguro nga indi matabo diri sa aton ang natabo sa Tacloban kag sa iban pa nga mga eskwelhan, pareho sa pag review sang school anti-bullying policies, pagpa siguro nga naga function ang ensuring Child Protection Committees, pagpa siguro kag pagpabakod sang guidance and counseling services, dapat may ara confidential reporting mechanisms sa mga kaso sang bullying and mga pagpamahug, pagpatigayon sang regular seminars parti sa conflict resolution, mental health awareness, kag violence prevention, kag ang pag review sang school security measures, dala na ang polisiya kontra sa possession of dangerous weapons sa sulod sang mga eskwelahan.

SP PUSHES STRONGER ANTI-BULLYING AND SCHOOL SAFETY MEASURES IN BACOLOD

In a decisive move to further protect students and strengthen safe learning environments, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod has approved a resolution authored by Councilor Caesar Distrito and co-authored by Councilors Danna Marie Barzo, Celia Flor, and Pao Sy, urging concerned agencies and educational institutions to intensify the implementation of Bacolod City’s Anti-Bullying Ordinance and reinforce child protection and school safety measures across all schools in the city.

The resolution was prompted by the recent tragic school violence incident in Tacloban City, which has sparked nationwide discussions on bullying, youth violence, mental health, and campus safety. While recognizing that the investigation into the incident remains ongoing, the measure emphasizes that local governments and schools must take proactive steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring.

Specifically, the resolution calls upon the Department of Education–Bacolod City Division, all public and private schools, the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), the City Health Office (CHO), Public Order & Safety Office (POSO) and other concerned agencies to strengthen existing anti-bullying programs, reinforce child protection policies, improve school safety protocols, and conduct a citywide assessment of current anti-bullying initiatives.

Among the measures encouraged are the review of school anti-bullying policies, ensuring the functionality of Child Protection Committees, strengthening guidance and counseling services, establishing confidential reporting mechanisms for bullying and threats, conducting regular seminars on conflict resolution, mental health awareness, and violence prevention, and reviewing school security measures, including policies against the possession of dangerous weapons on school campuses.

Councilor Distrito, principal author of both the resolution and the Bacolod City Anti-Bullying Ordinance, emphasized that preventing violence begins long before an incident occurs.

“The tragedy in Tacloban reminds us that child protection cannot be taken for granted. While we await the results of the investigation, this is the right time to strengthen our preventive measures. Our Anti-Bullying Ordinance must not remain merely a law on paper, it must be fully implemented in every school. Every child deserves to learn in an environment that is safe, supportive, and free from fear.”

Councilor Danna Marie Barzo added that bullying is often more than just teasing or conflict among students.

“Bullying, intimidation, harassment, social exclusion, and cyberbullying can leave deep emotional and psychological scars. Early intervention, effective counseling, active parental involvement, and coordinated action among schools, government agencies, and communities are essential in protecting our children.” Barzo said.

Councilor Celia Flor underscored the importance of schools serving as safe spaces where students feel secure, heard, and valued.

“Child protection is a shared responsibility among families, schools, communities, and government agencies, and that collaboration is essential in preventing violence.” Flor added.

Meanwhile, Councilor Pao Sy stressed that strengthening mental health support, counseling services, and preventive education can help identify concerns early and prevent situations from escalating into violence.

By furnishing all schools with copies of both the resolution and the Bacolod City Anti-Bullying Ordinance, the City Council hopes to reinforce compliance, encourage continuous evaluation of existing programs, and reaffirm Bacolod City’s commitment to creating child-friendly, inclusive, and violence-free learning environments.

25/06/2026

Gin-aprubahan sang Sangguniang Panlungsod ang resolution nga aton gin file upod kay Coun. Celia Flor, Coun. Pao Sy, kag Coun. Thaddy Sayson, nga nagapangabay sa PNP pinaagi sa BCPO kag PRO-NIR, kag kay Deputy Speaker Cong. Albee Benitez, nga i priority ang pagpatukod sang Police Station sa Brgy. Singcang-Airport, tungod ang mother station sini digto pa sa sulod sang Brgy Pahanocoy sa PS8.

Ang ginatanyag nga lugar amo ang barangay-owned lot nga tupad lang gid sang SM property sa Old Airport, sa diin pagatukuron man ang Barangay Hall Extension kag Barangay Market, kag subong may naga tindog na digto nga Covered Court. Ini isa ka estratehiko nga lokasyon nga makabulig sa mas dasig nga police response kag mas mabaskog nga pagpatuman sang peace and order sa barangay kag sa nagapalibot nga mga komunidad.

Samtang nagadako kag nagadamo ang mga pumoloyo kag negosyo sa Brgy. Singcang-Airport, labi na sa pag-abot sang SM kag iban pa nga mga negosyo kag investment, mas kinahanglan gid naton nga siguruhon nga ready man ang aton serbisyo sa seguridad para maprotektahan ang mga residente, negosyante, estudyante, kag mga bisita.

Nagapasalamat man ko sa suporta sang akon mga kaupdanan sa Sangguniang Panlungsod sa pag-aprubar sang sini nga resolusyon, kag sa bulig sang PNP kag ni Cong. Albee Benitez, ini nga proyekto kabay nga matigayon.

NOTE: Picture of the police station is only for illustration purposes.

25/06/2026

Ang ini nga resolution naga panawagan nga dapat ang ini nga mga tikang dapat himoon para mapasiguro nga indi matabo diri sa aton ang natabo sa Tacloban kag sa iban pa nga mga eskwelhan, pareho sa pag review sang school anti-bullying policies, pagpa siguro nga naga function ang ensuring Child Protection Committees, pagpa siguro kag pagpabakod sang guidance and counseling services, dapat may ara confidential reporting mechanisms sa mga kaso sang bullying and mga pagpamahug, pagpatigayon sang regular seminars parti sa conflict resolution, mental health awareness, kag violence prevention, kag ang pag review sang school security measures, dala na ang polisiya kontra sa possession of dangerous weapons sa sulod sang mga eskwelahan.

BACOLOD CITY COUNCIL MANDATES STRENGTHENED ANTI‑BULLYING AND CAMPUS SAFETY MEASURES

BACOLOD CITY — The Sangguniang Panlungsod has formally adopted a resolution to step up enforcement of the city’s Anti‑Bullying Ordinance and expand child protection frameworks across all local schools, responding to renewed national concern following the tragic school violence incident in Tacloban City.

Authored by Councilor Caesar Z. Distrito and co‑sponsored by Councilors Danna Marie Barzo, Celia Flor, and Pao Sy, the measure directs DepEd‑Bacolod, all public and private schools, the Bacolod City Police Office, City Social Services, City Health Office, Public Order & Safety Office, and related agencies to intensify existing safeguards and conduct a comprehensive city‑wide review of current programs.

Even as inquiries into the Tacloban case continue, lawmakers emphasized that local action must be proactive rather than reactive. Required and recommended actions include:

• Review and update of school anti‑bullying policies

• Ensuring Child Protection Committees are fully functional and active

• Expanding guidance and counseling services

• Setting up secure, confidential reporting channels for incidents and threats

• Regular training and education on conflict resolution, mental health awareness, and violence prevention

• Rigorous review of campus security, including strict enforcement of bans on dangerous weapons within school premises

Councilor Distrito — also the principal author of the original Bacolod Anti‑Bullying Ordinance — noted that legislation alone offers no protection without consistent, on‑the‑ground application.

“The tragedy in Tacloban reminds us that child protection cannot be taken for granted. While we await findings, this is exactly the time to reinforce prevention. Our ordinance must never remain a law only on paper; it must be fully realized in every school, so every student learns in an environment free from fear,” he stated.

Co‑author Councilor Barzo highlighted the lasting impact of harm beyond simple teasing:
“Bullying, intimidation, harassment, social exclusion, and cyberbullying can cause deep emotional and psychological damage. Early intervention, strong counseling, parental participation, and coordinated work between schools, agencies, and communities are essential to keep children safe.”

Councilor Flor emphasized shared accountability:
“Schools must be safe spaces where learners feel secure, heard, and valued. Protection is a collective duty of families, educators, communities, and government working together.”

Councilor Sy added that early mental health support is key to stopping problems before they escalate:
“Strengthened counseling and preventive education help identify difficulties early and prevent minor concerns from growing into serious harm.”

Copies of the resolution and the full Anti‑Bullying Ordinance will be distributed to all schools and partner agencies to ensure full compliance, regular program evaluation, and consistent progress toward inclusive, violence‑free learning environments across Bacolod.

25/06/2026

Ang ini nga resolution naga panawagan nga dapat ang ini nga mga tikang dapat himoon para mapasiguro nga indi matabo diri sa aton ang natabo sa Tacloban kag sa iban pa nga mga eskwelhan, pareho sa pag review sang school anti-bullying policies, pagpa siguro nga naga function ang ensuring Child Protection Committees, pagpa siguro kag pagpabakod sang guidance and counseling services, dapat may ara confidential reporting mechanisms sa mga kaso sang bullying and mga pagpamahug, pagpatigayon sang regular seminars parti sa conflict resolution, mental health awareness, kag violence prevention, kag ang pag review sang school security measures, dala na ang polisiya kontra sa possession of dangerous weapons sa sulod sang mga eskwelahan.

The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod called for strengthened child protection and school safety measures June 24 in light of the recent shooting and stabbing incidents inside schools in Tacloban and Cavite, respectively.

25/06/2026

Ang ini nga resolution naga panawagan nga dapat ang ini nga mga tikang dapat himoon para mapasiguro nga indi matabo diri sa aton ang natabo sa Tacloban kag sa iban pa nga mga eskwelhan, pareho sa pag review sang school anti-bullying policies, pagpa siguro nga naga function ang ensuring Child Protection Committees, pagpa siguro kag pagpabakod sang guidance and counseling services, dapat may ara confidential reporting mechanisms sa mga kaso sang bullying and mga pagpamahug, pagpatigayon sang regular seminars parti sa conflict resolution, mental health awareness, kag violence prevention, kag ang pag review sang school security measures, dala na ang polisiya kontra sa possession of dangerous weapons sa sulod sang mga eskwelahan.

SP Champions Stronger Anti-Bullying and School Safety Measures in Bacolod

The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod has approved a resolution urging relevant agencies and educational institutions to enhance the enforcement of Bacolod City’s Anti-Bullying Ordinance and to strengthen child protection and school safety measures across all schools in the city.

Councilor Caesar Z. Distrito authored this resolution with Councilors Danna Marie Barzo, Celia Flor, and Pao Sy as co-authors.

This resolution was adopted as a decisive step to better safeguard students and promote safe learning environments, prompted by the recent tragic school violence incident in Tacloban City, which has sparked nationwide discussions on bullying, youth violence, mental health, and campus safety.

While acknowledging that the investigation into the incident is still ongoing, the measure emphasizes that local governments and schools must take proactive actions to prevent similar incidents.

Specifically, the resolution calls upon the Department of Education–Bacolod City Division, all public and private schools, the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), the City Health Office (CHO), the Public Order & Safety Office (POSO), and other relevant agencies to strengthen existing anti-bullying programs, reinforce child protection policies, improve school safety protocols, and conduct a citywide review of current anti-bullying initiatives.

Among the recommended measures are reviewing school anti-bullying policies, ensuring the effectiveness of Child Protection Committees, strengthening guidance and counseling services, establishing confidential reporting channels for bullying and threats, conducting regular seminars on conflict resolution, mental health awareness, and violence prevention, and reviewing school security measures, including policies against possessing dangerous weapons on campuses.

Councilor Distrito, the main author of both the resolution and the Bacolod City Anti-Bullying Ordinance, emphasized that preventing violence begins long before an incident occurs.

“The tragedy in Tacloban reminds us that child protection cannot be taken for granted. While we await the results of the investigation, this is the time to strengthen our preventive measures. Our Anti-Bullying Ordinance must not just be a law on paper; it must be fully implemented in every school. Every child deserves to learn in a safe, supportive environment free from fear.”

Councilor Danna Marie Barzo added that bullying often extends beyond simple teasing or conflicts.

“Bullying, intimidation, harassment, social exclusion, and cyberbullying can cause deep emotional and psychological scars. Early intervention, effective counseling, active parental involvement, and coordinated efforts among schools, government agencies, and communities are vital to protecting our children,” Barzo said.

Councilor Celia Flor highlighted that schools should serve as safe spaces where students feel secure, heard, and valued.

“Child protection is a shared responsibility among families, schools, communities, and government agencies, and that collaboration is essential in preventing violence,” Flor added.

Meanwhile, Councilor Pao Sy emphasized that strengthening mental health support, counseling services, and preventive education can help identify issues early and prevent escalation into violence.

By providing all schools with copies of both the resolution and the Bacolod City Anti-Bullying Ordinance, the City Council aims to reinforce compliance, encourage ongoing evaluation of existing programs, and reaffirm Bacolod City’s commitment to creating child-friendly, inclusive, and violence-free learning environments.

25/06/2026

Ang ini nga resolution naga panawagan nga dapat ang ini nga mga tikang dapat himoon para mapasiguro nga indi matabo diri sa aton ang natabo sa Tacloban kag sa iban pa nga mga eskwelhan, pareho sa pag review sang school anti-bullying policies, pagpa siguro nga naga function ang ensuring Child Protection Committees, pagpa siguro kag pagpabakod sang guidance and counseling services, dapat may ara confidential reporting mechanisms sa mga kaso sang bullying and mga pagpamahug, pagpatigayon sang regular seminars parti sa conflict resolution, mental health awareness, kag violence prevention, kag ang pag review sang school security measures, dala na ang polisiya kontra sa possession of dangerous weapons sa sulod sang mga eskwelahan.

**SP Pushes Stronger Anti-Bullying and School Safety Measures in Bacolod **

In a decisive move to further protect students and strengthen safe learning environments, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod has approved a resolution authored by Councilor Caesar Z. Distrito and co-authored by Councilors Danna Marie Barzo, Celia Flor, and Pao Sy, urging concerned agencies and educational institutions to intensify the implementation of Bacolod City’s Anti-Bullying Ordinance and reinforce child protection and school safety measures across all schools in the city.

The resolution was prompted by the recent tragic school violence incident in Tacloban City, which has sparked nationwide discussions on bullying, youth violence, mental health, and campus safety. While recognizing that the investigation into the incident remains ongoing, the measure emphasizes that local governments and schools must take proactive steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring.

Specifically, the resolution calls upon the Department of Education–Bacolod City Division, all public and private schools, the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), the City Health Office (CHO), Public Order & Safety Office (POSO) and other concerned agencies to strengthen existing anti-bullying programs, reinforce child protection policies, improve school safety protocols, and conduct a citywide assessment of current anti-bullying initiatives.

Among the measures encouraged are the review of school anti-bullying policies, ensuring the functionality of Child Protection Committees, strengthening guidance and counseling services, establishing confidential reporting mechanisms for bullying and threats, conducting regular seminars on conflict resolution, mental health awareness, and violence prevention, and reviewing school security measures, including policies against the possession of dangerous weapons on school campuses.

Councilor Distrito, principal author of both the resolution and the Bacolod City Anti-Bullying Ordinance, emphasized that preventing violence begins long before an incident occurs.

“The tragedy in Tacloban reminds us that child protection cannot be taken for granted. While we await the results of the investigation, this is the right time to strengthen our preventive measures. Our Anti-Bullying Ordinance must not remain merely a law on paper, it must be fully implemented in every school. Every child deserves to learn in an environment that is safe, supportive, and free from fear.”

Councilor Danna Marie Barzo added that bullying is often more than just teasing or conflict among students.

“Bullying, intimidation, harassment, social exclusion, and cyberbullying can leave deep emotional and psychological scars. Early intervention, effective counseling, active parental involvement, and coordinated action among schools, government agencies, and communities are essential in protecting our children.” Barzo said.

Councilor Celia Flor underscored the importance of schools serving as safe spaces where students feel secure, heard, and valued.

“Child protection is a shared responsibility among families, schools, communities, and government agencies, and that collaboration is essential in preventing violence.” Flor added.

Meanwhile, Councilor Pao Sy stressed that strengthening mental health support, counseling services, and preventive education can help identify concerns early and prevent situations from escalating into violence.

By furnishing all schools with copies of both the resolution and the Bacolod City Anti-Bullying Ordinance, the City Council hopes to reinforce compliance, encourage continuous evaluation of existing programs, and reaffirm Bacolod City’s commitment to creating child-friendly, inclusive, and violence-free learning environments.

25/06/2026

Ang ini nga resolution naga panawagan nga dapat ang ini nga mga tikang dapat himoon pareho pag review sang school anti-bullying policies, pagpa siguro nga naga function ang ensuring Child Protection Committees, pagpa siguro kag pagpabakod sang guidance and counseling services, dapat may ara confidential reporting mechanisms sa mga kaso sang bullying and mga pagpamahug, pagpatigayon sang regular seminars parti sa conflict resolution, mental health awareness, kag violence prevention, kag ang pag review sang school security measures, dala na ang polisiya kontra sa possession of dangerous weapons sa sulod sang mga eskwelahan.

SP Pushes Stronger Anti-Bullying and School Safety Measures in Bacolod

In a decisive move to further protect students and strengthen safe learning environments, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod has approved a resolution authored by Councilor Caesar Z. Distrito and co-authored by Councilors Danna Marie Barzo, Celia Flor, and Pao Sy, urging concerned agencies and educational institutions to intensify the implementation of Bacolod City’s Anti-Bullying Ordinance and reinforce child protection and school safety measures across all schools in the city.

The resolution was prompted by the recent tragic school violence incident in Tacloban City, which has sparked nationwide discussions on bullying, youth violence, mental health, and campus safety. While recognizing that the investigation into the incident remains ongoing, the measure emphasizes that local governments and schools must take proactive steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring.

Specifically, the resolution calls upon the Department of Education–Bacolod City Division, all public and private schools, the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), the City Health Office (CHO), Public Order & Safety Office (POSO) and other concerned agencies to strengthen existing anti-bullying programs, reinforce child protection policies, improve school safety protocols, and conduct a citywide assessment of current anti-bullying initiatives.

Among the measures encouraged are the review of school anti-bullying policies, ensuring the functionality of Child Protection Committees, strengthening guidance and counseling services, establishing confidential reporting mechanisms for bullying and threats, conducting regular seminars on conflict resolution, mental health awareness, and violence prevention, and reviewing school security measures, including policies against the possession of dangerous weapons on school campuses.

Councilor Distrito, principal author of both the resolution and the Bacolod City Anti-Bullying Ordinance, emphasized that preventing violence begins long before an incident occurs.

“The tragedy in Tacloban reminds us that child protection cannot be taken for granted. While we await the results of the investigation, this is the right time to strengthen our preventive measures. Our Anti-Bullying Ordinance must not remain merely a law on paper, it must be fully implemented in every school. Every child deserves to learn in an environment that is safe, supportive, and free from fear.”

Councilor Danna Marie Barzo added that bullying is often more than just teasing or conflict among students.

“Bullying, intimidation, harassment, social exclusion, and cyberbullying can leave deep emotional and psychological scars. Early intervention, effective counseling, active parental involvement, and coordinated action among schools, government agencies, and communities are essential in protecting our children.” Barzo said.

Councilor Celia Flor underscored the importance of schools serving as safe spaces where students feel secure, heard, and valued.

“Child protection is a shared responsibility among families, schools, communities, and government agencies, and that collaboration is essential in preventing violence.” Flor added.

Meanwhile, Councilor Pao Sy stressed that strengthening mental health support, counseling services, and preventive education can help identify concerns early and prevent situations from escalating into violence.

By furnishing all schools with copies of both the resolution and the Bacolod City Anti-Bullying Ordinance, the City Council hopes to reinforce compliance, encourage continuous evaluation of existing programs, and reaffirm Bacolod City’s commitment to creating child-friendly, inclusive, and violence-free learning environments.

25/06/2026

Ang ini nga resolution naga panawagan nga dapat ang ini nga mga tikang dapat himoon pareho pag review sang school anti-bullying policies, pagpa siguro nga naga function ang ensuring Child Protection Committees, pagpa siguro kag pagpabakod sang guidance and counseling services, dapat may ara confidential reporting mechanisms sa mga kaso sang bullying and mga pagpamahug, pagpatigayon sang regular seminars parti sa conflict resolution, mental health awareness, kag violence prevention, kag ang pag review sang school security measures, dala na ang polisiya kontra sa possession of dangerous weapons sa sulod sang mga eskwelahan.

**SP Pushes Stronger Anti-Bullying and School Safety Measures in Bacolod **

In a decisive move to further protect students and strengthen safe learning environments, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod has approved a resolution authored by Councilor Caesar Z. Distrito and co-authored by Councilors Danna Marie Barzo, Celia Flor, and Pao Sy, urging concerned agencies and educational institutions to intensify the implementation of Bacolod City’s Anti-Bullying Ordinance and reinforce child protection and school safety measures across all schools in the city.

The resolution was prompted by the recent tragic school violence incident in Tacloban City, which has sparked nationwide discussions on bullying, youth violence, mental health, and campus safety. While recognizing that the investigation into the incident remains ongoing, the measure emphasizes that local governments and schools must take proactive steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring.

Specifically, the resolution calls upon the Department of Education–Bacolod City Division, all public and private schools, the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), the City Health Office (CHO), Public Order & Safety Office (POSO) and other concerned agencies to strengthen existing anti-bullying programs, reinforce child protection policies, improve school safety protocols, and conduct a citywide assessment of current anti-bullying initiatives.

Among the measures encouraged are the review of school anti-bullying policies, ensuring the functionality of Child Protection Committees, strengthening guidance and counseling services, establishing confidential reporting mechanisms for bullying and threats, conducting regular seminars on conflict resolution, mental health awareness, and violence prevention, and reviewing school security measures, including policies against the possession of dangerous weapons on school campuses.

Councilor Distrito, principal author of both the resolution and the Bacolod City Anti-Bullying Ordinance, emphasized that preventing violence begins long before an incident occurs.

“The tragedy in Tacloban reminds us that child protection cannot be taken for granted. While we await the results of the investigation, this is the right time to strengthen our preventive measures. Our Anti-Bullying Ordinance must not remain merely a law on paper, it must be fully implemented in every school. Every child deserves to learn in an environment that is safe, supportive, and free from fear.”

Councilor Danna Marie Barzo added that bullying is often more than just teasing or conflict among students.

“Bullying, intimidation, harassment, social exclusion, and cyberbullying can leave deep emotional and psychological scars. Early intervention, effective counseling, active parental involvement, and coordinated action among schools, government agencies, and communities are essential in protecting our children.” Barzo said.

Councilor Celia Flor underscored the importance of schools serving as safe spaces where students feel secure, heard, and valued.

“Child protection is a shared responsibility among families, schools, communities, and government agencies, and that collaboration is essential in preventing violence.” Flor added.

Meanwhile, Councilor Pao Sy stressed that strengthening mental health support, counseling services, and preventive education can help identify concerns early and prevent situations from escalating into violence.

By furnishing all schools with copies of both the resolution and the Bacolod City Anti-Bullying Ordinance, the City Council hopes to reinforce compliance, encourage continuous evaluation of existing programs, and reaffirm Bacolod City’s commitment to creating child-friendly, inclusive, and violence-free learning environments.

24/06/2026

Ang ini nga resolution naga panawagan nga dapat ang ini nga mga tikang dapat himoon pareho pag review sang school anti-bullying policies, pagpa siguro nga naga function ang ensuring Child Protection Committees, pagpa siguro kag pagpabakod sang guidance and counseling services, dapat may ara confidential reporting mechanisms sa mga kaso sang bullying and mga pagpamahug, pagpatigayon sang regular seminars parti sa conflict resolution, mental health awareness, kag violence prevention, kag ang pag review sang school security measures, dala na ang polisiya kontra sa possession of dangerous weapons sa sulod sang mga eskwelahan.

LOOK: BACOLOD SP PUSH FOR STRICTER ENFORCEMENT OF ANTI-BULLYING ORDINANCE

To better protect learners and secure safe learning spaces, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod approved a resolution calling for stricter and fuller enforcement of the city’s Anti‑Bullying Ordinance alongside expanded child protection and campus safety standards in all educational institutions.

Authored by Councilor Caesar Distrito and co‑authored by Councilors Danna Marie Barzo, Celia Flor, and Pao Sy, the measure comes in direct response to the tragic school violence incident in Tacloban City — an event that sparked nationwide review of bullying prevention, youth well‑being, mental health support, and campus security.

While investigations into that case continue, the Council emphasized that local bodies must move proactively to stop similar occurrences here.

The resolution formally directs DepEd‑Bacolod City Division, all public and private schools, Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), City Health Office (CHO), Public Order and Safety Office (POSO), and other concerned units to:

- Strengthen and update anti‑bullying programs and policies
- Ensure Child Protection Committees are fully functional and active
- Expand guidance and counseling services
- Set up safe, confidential channels to report bullying, threats, or harassment
- Hold regular education sessions on conflict resolution, mental health awareness, and violence prevention
- Review and upgrade security rules — including strict bans on dangerous weapons inside school premises
- Conduct a city‑wide assessment of how existing measures are being implemented

Distrito, author of the Bacolod Anti‑Bullying Ordinance, “The tragedy in Tacloban is a clear reminder: child protection must never be treated lightly. While we wait for investigation results, we must strengthen prevention right now. Our ordinance must not remain just written law — it must be fully applied in every school. Every child deserves to learn in an environment safe, caring, and free from fear.”

Councilor Danna Marie Barzo added that bullying goes far beyond simple teasing:

“Bullying, intimidation, harassment, social exclusion, and cyberbullying cause deep, lasting emotional and psychological harm. Early help, quality counseling, active parental participation, and close teamwork between schools, agencies, and communities are key to protecting our youth.”

Flor cited also the accountability of schools.

“Schools must remain safe spaces — where students feel secure, heard, and valued. Protecting children is a duty shared by families, schools, communities, and government; strong cooperation is vital to prevent violence," she said.

Sy highlighted the role of support systems.

“Stronger mental health services, accessible counseling, and preventive education let us spot problems early — before they worsen into serious incidents," the councilor said.

Copies of both the approved resolution and the Bacolod City Anti‑Bullying Ordinance are being distributed to all schools and partner agencies — to reinforce compliance, encourage regular review of programs, and reaffirm Bacolod’s commitment to fully child‑friendly, inclusive, and violence‑free education environments.