Iloilo City schools mull transparent bags for campus safety

ILOILO CITY — The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) and the Department of Education (DepEd) Iloilo City Division are exploring having students use transparent school bags to prevent prohibited items from entering campus.

During a coordination meeting on Monday, ICPO City Director Col. Wilbert Parilla presented the transparent-bag proposal to DepEd officials for initial assessment of its feasibility, acceptability, and potential implementation challenges.

If adopted, the measure would deter students from bringing bladed weapons, firearms, and other prohibited items into school premises.

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Police said the proposal would complement existing security measures, including increased police visibility, tighter access control, early threat reporting and coordinated emergency response.

The meeting also covered student welfare and school infrastructure. DepEd officials discussed plans to recruit school counselor associates to help address mental health concerns and conflicts, as well as improvements such as perimeter fencing and stronger security locks.

“It is always better to be prepared than to respond after an incident has occurred,” Parilla said. 

He added: “Taking proactive steps today can help prevent problems tomorrow and further strengthen the safety of our schools.”

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Joining Parilla were ICPO officials Lt. Col. Ricardo Jomuad Jr., deputy city director for administration; Maj. Shella Mae Sangrines, City Community Affairs and Development Unit (CCADU)  assistant chief and spokesperson; legal officer Maj. Warren Calzado, and Lt. Ruth T. Laudato, chief of the Women and Children Protection Desk.

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DepEd-Iloilo City was led by City Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Ma. Luz De los Reyes and Assistant Superintendent Jerson Labos, along with division chiefs, education program supervisors, human resource officials, and members of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management team.

Both agencies agreed to continue consultations with parents, school administrators, and other stakeholders as DepEd evaluates the proposed security measures./coa