Romualdez Pushes Stronger Child Protection, Mental Health Reforms After School Tragedy

Posted on July 4, 2026 at 7:41 am

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte — Leyte First District Representative Martin Romualdez has pledged to pursue stronger laws and programs for child protection and mental health support following the mass shooting incident at San Jose National High School.

Romualdez made the commitment during a consultative meeting with officials from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Education (DepEd), and Commission on Higher Education (CHED), together with Tingog Party-list Representatives Andrew Romualdez and Jude Acidre.

The meeting focused on immediate and long-term steps to help those affected by the tragedy and to improve safety measures in schools.

Romualdez said the incident highlights the need to strengthen systems that protect children, both inside and outside school.

“This is not something that can be addressed by one agency alone. We need to work together to protect our children and make sure schools remain safe places for learning,” he said.

Among the agreed measures are the strengthening of school safety and child protection policies, the creation of a regional psychosocial support network, and efforts to improve community-based programs that involve parents in guiding and protecting children.

Romualdez also raised concern over the limited number of mental health professionals available in schools and communities. He said this gap must be addressed so that students and families who need support can receive proper care.

He added that he will push for legislative measures in Congress to strengthen existing child protection laws, expand mental health services, and improve support systems in schools across the country.

Tingog Party-list Representatives Andrew Romualdez and Jude Acidre also expressed support for the initiatives, stressing the importance of stronger safeguards for children and responsible use of social media, especially among minors.

Romualdez said that while justice for the victims remains important, equal attention must be given to preventing similar incidents in the future.

“Our responsibility does not end here. We must make sure this does not happen again,” he said.

Photo courtesy: Office of Rep. Martin Romualdez