‘Clear’ solution: Butuan school adopts transparent bag policy for students’ safety
By Niña Jonalyn B. Gambe-Diamante
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Following a series of shooting incidents in both private and public schools in recent months, Timber City Academy (TCA) in Butuan City immediately took action to tighten campus safety measures. Beyond existing school security protocols, the school board, parents, and stakeholders agreed on more stringent measures to protect students amid security threats—highlighted by the adoption of a transparent bag policy.
The school’s 5-point security agenda
The swift response came after a school shooting incident at a private institution prompted TCA Butuan to call an emergency meeting with its administration, Board of Trustees, General Parents and Teachers Assembly (GPTA) officers, security agencies, and local stakeholders. Together, they established a 5-point security agenda aimed at preventing similar tragedies:
- Increased Security Personnel and Inspection: Increasing security staff, implementing routine roving, and enforcing two-way security checks at student entrances.
- Enhanced Law Enforcement Partnership: Strengthening ties with the Philippine National Police (PNP) through heightened police visibility and joint advocacy campaigns.
- Strict Access Controls: Implementing a Parent Monitoring Directory and issuing Parent/Guardian Identification cards to ensure only enrolled students, parents, and authorized guardians can enter or exit campus.
- Targeted Educational Symposiums: Conducting specialized sessions covering mental wellness for students, red-flag identification training for teachers, and good parenting practices.
- Transparent Bag Policy: Requiring clear bags for students to streamline inspection procedures.
- The transparent bag policy was introduced after school administrators observed that traditional bags—often oversized or equipped with multiple compartments and hidden pockets—made thorough physical inspections difficult and time-consuming. Transparent bags now allow security staff to make an initial assessment at first glance, making campus entry both faster and more secure.
The policy was initially rolled out late in July, with the school giving parents extra time to procure the required bags. As of writing, compliance is nearly universal.
“At first, some of the parents were skeptical. But we are glad that the majority agreed to adopt the transparent bag policy. We share the same sentiment that we would rather try our best in maximizing what we can do rather than wondering in the future as to what we could have done better,” said TCA Principal Kim Christian T. Matildo. “More than the hassle and the additional expense, what we care more about is the safety of our students.”
Police intervention toward school safety
Matildo noted that recent violence in schools had sent shockwaves through the school community, prompting him to seek immediate guidance from the Butuan City Police Office, headed by City Director Police Colonel Richie M. Yatar.
“I asked for enlightenment from our police on the measures that our institution could do to prevent similar incidents from happening in our school,” Matildo explained. “Every child is vulnerable. Any school can be a victim.”
To ensure resolutions were effective and well-grounded, TCA conducted extensive consultations with law enforcement and subject matter experts.
“My consultation with the PNP City Director was very enlightening and insightful. He explained that the issue of school-based violence is not isolated to the school premises alone. A student is a combination of several interconnecting factors such as their experiences at home, in their community, and even in the digital environment,” Matildo recalled.
These insights led the administration to design interventions that go beyond basic rule-making, issuing a broader call to action to individuals who shape students’ decisions and thought processes.
Matildo also expressed gratitude to the PNP for deploying officers near campus during peak hours—specifically from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m., 11 a.m. to 12 noon, and 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.—when student movement is highest.
Students’ mental wellness as school’s priority
Parallel to physical security measures, TCA has emphasized mental wellness as a primary preventive strategy rather than a reactive cure. The school maintains a respectful and sensitive environment, supported by designated guidance coaches who work beyond standard office hours to assist students in need.
TCA’s holistic approach includes regular mental wellness programs, symposiums, classroom check-in visits, and an individualized student profiling system. Upon enrollment, the school logs health, behavioral, and mental records alongside basic learner information.
“Because of this profiling, we are not left carrying the responsibility for our learners on our own,” Matildo said. “We are able to reach out to the parents even more, ensuring that both ends will meet to help the students.” (NJGD, PIA Caraga)
