The problem of campus bullying is proving to be quite costly in Taguig City.
The city government is stepping up measures to ensure the security of students inside campuses, starting with a P25-million budget allocation for an antibullying program.
A large component of the program calls for the installation of closed-circuit television cameras (CCTVs) and metal detectors in each of Taguig’s 34 public schools.
In an interview Wednesday, Department of Education (DepEd) Taguig-Pateros administrator George Tizon said 12 CCTVs had already been procured, with four currently being installed in schools.
Tizon said the local DepEd office may install four to 12 security cameras per school, depending on the campus area or student population.
Later this month, the procurement of metal detectors will be up for bidding, Tizon said, adding that at least one detector would be installed per school.
The P25-million budget for the antibullying program came from the city government’s regular and supplemental budgets. “This is a commitment from the local government. Mayor Lani Cayetano wants bullying in schools addressed. She takes it very seriously,” Tizon said.
The program also involves the setup of help desks and hotlines at every school, where bullying incidents may be reported.