DSWD Continues Psychological Support for School Shooting Survivors

• DSWD social workers continue providing psychological first aid to students, parents, and teachers affected by the San Jose school shooting, offering emotional support and counseling.

Rolly Magallanes 2 hours ago 1.1 K

Posted on June 27, 2026 at 4:06 am

TACLOBAN CITY — Days after the shooting at San Jose National High School, government social workers are continuing to provide psychological support to students, parents, teachers, and other individuals affected by the tragedy.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VIII said trained social workers have been conducting psychological first aid to help those affected cope with the emotional impact of the incident. The intervention is intended to provide immediate emotional support and identify individuals who may need further counseling or mental health services.

Aside from psychosocial support, the DSWD has also extended financial assistance to victims through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program. As of June 22, the agency had released cash assistance to nine injured victims to help cover their immediate needs.

The DSWD said it continues to work closely with the Tacloban City Government, the Department of Education, and other agencies to ensure that affected families receive the services they need, including counseling, financial assistance, and other forms of social welfare support.

The shooting claimed the lives of three people and injured 20 others, leaving many students, school employees, and families dealing with its emotional and psychological effects.

Mental health experts say traumatic events can affect children and teenagers in different ways. Some may experience fear, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, or trouble concentrating in school. Providing early emotional support can help identify those who need additional care and reduce the long-term effects of trauma.

The DSWD said psychological support will continue as needed, recognizing that recovery from a traumatic event does not happen overnight. The agency encouraged affected individuals and their families to seek help whenever they need it, as the community continues to recover from one of the deadliest school shooting incidents in the city’s history.

Photo by: Rolly Magallanes | Vanguard