A lawmaker on Tuesday called for the formulation of a regional rapid response network for mental health and child protection following the shooting in Tacloban City, which killed three students and injured at least 20 others. In a statement, Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said he met with officials from the Department of Education, according to BusinessWorld.
Romualdez emphasized the need for a coordinated response to address the psychological impact of such incidents on students and communities. The proposed network would involve local government units, schools, and mental health professionals to ensure immediate support for affected individuals and to prevent further trauma.
The lawmaker urged the government to prioritize mental health resources in schools as part of broader child protection measures. The Department of Education has yet to issue a formal response to the proposal.