The Ateneo de Naga University (ADNU) hosted the Student Safety Summit held on 14 August 2023 at the Arrupe Convention Hall in its Bagumbayan Campus.
In the summit, the participants identified the continuing and new student safety and campus security-related challenges, and crafted action plans to be separately or collaboratively undertaken by the schools and the local government.
The Philippine Association of Practitioners of Student Affairs and Services, Inc. (PAPSAS) Region 5 Chapter, led by its President Rodolfo “Sonny” SB. Virtus Jr., initiated the as a continuation of its partnership with the City Government of Naga which started in 2022. Fr. Roberto E.N. Rivera, S.J., University President of ADNU, welcomed the participants from both HEIs and City Government of Naga, and reiterated the importance of safety in creating and maintaining a learning conducive environment in colleges and universities.
Attending the summit were Student affairs and Services Directors, and Student Council Presidents from six higher education institutions in Naga City, namely: ADNU, Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology, Mariners Polytechnic Colleges, Inc., Naga College Foundation, University of Nueva Caceres, and Universidad de Sta. Isabel de Naga. Representatives from the said colleges and universities shared both common and unique safety concerns.
Naga City Mayor Nelson S. Legacion gave updates on his administration’s recent efforts at reinforcing safety and welfare of the public. In response to the matters raised by the schools, he directed both city and government officials to immediately address the issues raised by the schools, such as: 1) illegal parking which causes traffic congestion on Ateneo, Peñafrancia, J. Hernandez, and Liboton/M.T. Villanueva Avenues; 2) sale of tobacco products and alcoholic beverages within prohibited distance from the schools; 3) some street vendors obstructing the roads and sidewalks for pedestrians, and possibly posing health safety risks; 4) request to install of security CCTV cameras, and more streetlights outside the school premises and in barangay roads; 5) request to improve the visibility of police/Public Safety Office (PSO) personnel and/or barangay tanods outside the premises of some schools, especially during rush hours and in the evening; 6) student housing facilities’ security and compliance with government regulations; and 7) complaints against some public utility vehicle drivers violating traffic rules and not honoring student discounts, among others.
Although a responsibility of the barangays, Mayor Legacion pledged to fund the installation of CCTV units outside the premises of the HEIs which are part of barangay roads. He also told the Treasurer’s Office to revoke the business permit of establishments that sell cigarettes and liquors within 100 meters from the campus premises.
Further, PSO Executive Director Renne F. Gumba assured the schools of intensifying sidewalk clearing operations, without necessarily causing livelihood loss for the vendors, and the wheelclamping operations to deter illegal parking. He also urged the schools to remind their students to report erring trimobile drivers to PSO.
Barangay captains, councilors, and chief tanods also attended the dialogue, and assured Mayor Legacion of their appropriate response to the concerns that fall within their jurisdiction, and improving their relations with the schools. To concretize this, one recommendation raised was the establishment of a school-based crime prevention committee, which should include city and barangay official-representatives.
Photos c/o Al Balderas (ADNU OSA)
Article c/o the Office of Student Affairs
