The Mandaue City Government is looking for available funds to purchase metal detectors for public schools as part of efforts to strengthen campus security and protect students.
City Administrator Atty. Gonzalo Malig-on Jr. confirmed that the Department of Education (DepEd) Mandaue City Division requested the procurement of the security equipment.
“Naa silay request, gipangitaan pa namo og pundo,” Malig-on said.
Malig-on said the city government is willing to provide the requested equipment, but the number of metal detectors that can be purchased and the schools that will receive them have yet to be determined.
He explained that no allocation was included for the procurement in the city’s current budget, prompting officials to identify possible funding sources.
“I do not know unsay kaya, wala man gud na maapil sa budget for the year,” he said.
“Mangita pa mi og available,” he added.
Malig-on said the city has not yet considered seeking donations from private groups or individuals, although such assistance would be accepted if offered.
“It is the city that will procure, but kung naay muhatag, labing maayo,” he said.
The planned procurement follows the June 22 shooting incident at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City that left three students dead and renewed discussions on improving school security measures.
Earlier, Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano said the city was considering additional security measures in public schools, including the purchase of more closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and the use of walkthrough or handheld metal detectors.
Ouano made the statement after an emergency special meeting of the Local School Board and local government officials on June 24, where possible measures to prevent school violence and improve emergency preparedness were discussed.
The mayor said the city government is ready to assist the DepEd depending on the agency’s needs.
“Kung ganahan sila og more metal detectors, then mo procure ta ana,” Ouano said.
He also emphasized the need for coordination between the city government and schools to ensure the safety of students, teachers, school personnel, and parents during emergencies.
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
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