GenSan College Students Trained to Stay Alert Amid Campus Safety Concerns
GENSAN – Bullying, sexual harassment, gangs, and school violence were among the serious issues discussed as 1,500 college students in General Santos City underwent a campus safety seminar.
Around 1,500 second-year students of Goldenstate College in General Santos City participated in a five-day security awareness seminar aimed at strengthening their understanding of campus safety and emergency preparedness.
The students attended the seminar on Tuesday as part of an initiative designed to help them identify possible security threats, raise concerns through proper channels, and know how to react during emergency situations.
The five-day activity highlighted important topics related to crime prevention, school security, and preparedness. Personnel from the General Santos City Police Office (GSCPO) served as resource speakers during the third day of the seminar, sharing practical information that students could apply in their daily lives.
Organizers explained that the program was organized to promote a safer and more vigilant school environment. Since students spend a significant amount of their time inside educational institutions, organizers emphasized the importance of equipping them with the knowledge and awareness needed to recognize risks and deal with security-related concerns properly.
Several issues affecting students and school communities were discussed during the sessions. These included bullying, sexual harassment, safe spaces, gang-related concerns, and school violence.
Pat. Joy Pastrana led the discussion on the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013, providing students with information about the law and the importance of addressing bullying incidents. Meanwhile, PSSg. Jinky Gamutin and Lt. Aileen Alforte from the Community Affairs and Development Unit discussed laws concerning sexual harassment, as well as concerns related to gangs and violence within schools.
Active-threat situations were also included in the seminar. PSSg. Jowel Lumbab of the Special Weapons and Tactics unit and Pat. Katrina Fuego of the City Mobile Force Company shared guidance on how students should respond when confronted with an active threat.
Police personnel also encouraged the students to make careful and responsible choices while contributing to a respectful and secure campus environment.
The seminar forms part of the GSCPO’s Safe Schools and Protected Sectors initiative, which aims to improve cooperation between law enforcement agencies and educational institutions. Through programs such as this, authorities seek to enhance campus security awareness and strengthen preparedness for possible emergencies.
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