The Philippines is currently grappling with a rise in campus violence after two fatal shootings occurred within a two-month timeframe. In response, safety experts and government officials are advocating for a shift in how schools manage security, arguing that current protocols are insufficient.

Lawmaker Bam Aquino has introduced a bill that would require educational institutions to establish comprehensive safety frameworks. Unlike traditional security measures that focus primarily on physical barriers at school gates, this proposed legislation emphasizes a proactive approach. The bill mandates that schools develop localized safety plans, which include specific guidelines for violence prevention, emergency response procedures, and recovery strategies for affected students and staff.

Proponents of the bill argue that the focus must move toward mitigating violence before a weapon ever reaches school grounds. By addressing the root causes of conflict and establishing clear intervention protocols, supporters believe schools can create a safer environment. While the discussion is ongoing, the primary point of contention remains whether the responsibility for these safety frameworks should rest primarily with the national government or be decentralized to individual school administrations. The proposed legislation seeks to strike a balance by requiring national standards while allowing for local customization to fit the specific needs of different school communities.