Alumni Tree Project

The Learning and Development Committee (L&D) ran its first series of learning sessions for SY2026-SY2027 last July 25, 2026 at Dr. Alejandro Albert Elementary School. The topics discussed were: ‘Preventing School Violence, Understanding RMHS’ Safety Rules -and- ‘What To Do During Possible School Violence Occurrence’. This was attended by 80+ ATP scholars and other invited high school students.

The first topic was discussed by Mr. Francis K. Donayre, Values Education Teacher and Guidance Counselor at Ramon Magsaysay High School. He advocates for compassionate guidance and values-based education, strives to help learners become responsible, resilient, and well-rounded individuals. He started his talk on relatable sample scenarios where students feel safe or unsafe. He then explained that school violence is not limited to school fighting. It is an intentional action that causes physical, emotional, verbal, psychological, or social harm. Oftentimes, perpetrators unconsciously show red flags (sudden behavior shifts, unexplained absences, extreme emotional changes, sudden decline in academics). Mr. Donayre went further to narrate the reasons why school violence happens due to – unmanaged anger, peer pressure, revenge, family problems, miscommunication. From this, he concluded with good tips on how students respond to possible scenarios, gave assurance of the school’s preparedness on possible occurrence. Last note he said, students to be more aware, sensitive, listen and comply to their teachers’ guidelines.

The next speakers were from the Manila Police District Station 4 led by PMSG Acapulco B. Castillo who prepped-up the students with basic stretching exercise. He told the audience to remember three basic actions when faced with someone with a gun or with a knife: RUN-HIDE-FIGHT. First, be familiar with exit. Know the location where a gun or a knife incident is taking place, RUN to the opposite direction. HIDE to the nearest place you can be and close doors, windows. Get a hold of anything to protect you if there’s no chance to run or hide. FIGHT if you must with all your might. Simultaneously, find the chance to call 911 (keep in your mind the emergency numbers).

The audience were interestingly engrossed as PMSG Castillo explained the different actions in such situations. There were lots of questions raised and were well-responded by PMSG Castillo.

He was joined by three Patrolwomen, led by Kay-cee Renon who on the other hand gave practical advice especially among young women on cases of abuse. She told them to seek immediate help from someone whom they can trust. They should not be afraid to go to the authorities citing the Women’s Help Desk in Station 4 is always ready to hear out and act upon such cases.

In closing, the 1^st L&D session gained positive feedback among scholars for the opportunity to have gained knowledge and advice on such relevant topics today.

‘I learned a lot in this seminar, especially for the current situations and issues that have been circulating that puts the student’s life in danger. I learned how to be prepared if we ever encounter school violence, what to do during, and after. This seminar really helps me if I ever face the situations given by the speakers’, Iris Yzabelle Leigh B. Flores, Gr 10-Darwin.