Beyond the Mist, No Student Stands Alone: Mankayan NHS Champions DepEd’s ‘My Buddy System’ for Campus Safety

By Rubenson B. Bilag

Beneath the pine-scented mist of the Cordillera mountains, Mankayan National High School (MNHS) kicked off National School Safety Week on October 12, 2026. Under Department of Education (DepEd) Order No. 006, series of 2026, the week-long campaign brought together teachers, local leaders, emergency responders, and students to build a safer, more supportive learning environment.

The national observance focuses on keeping basic education campuses secure, preventing bullying and cyber violence, avoiding injuries, and ensuring standardized emergency responses. Rather than treating security as just administrative paperwork, the initiative unites the whole school community to safeguard students both in classrooms and online.

The assembly opened with solemn prayers, the national anthem, and the pledge of public servants. School Principal IV Sharon B. Angupa welcomed participants and explained the goal of the campaign. Principal Angupa emphasized that real academic growth happens only when students feel safe and supported by a caring network of teachers and community partners.

LEADING THE CHARGE. Principal Angupa delivers her opening remarks, emphasizing that educational excellence relies on physical security and emotional support. Photo by Rubenson B. Bilag.

Following the opening, experts from health, law enforcement, fire safety, and local government shared practical tips with students and staff. Rural Health Unit Nurse Mary Therese Awisan discussed daily wellness habits, explaining how health choices protect the entire school.

“Safety is a shared responsibility for all of us; all of us are concerned,” Awisan told the audience. “Safety is essential for a happy life.”

Awisan shared simple steps to tackle local health issues, including the Department of Health (DOH) 4S strategy against dengue fever, managing seasonal flu, and handling common school emergencies like fainting and nosebleeds.

HEALTH VIGILANCE. Nurse Awisan speaks on student wellness and preventive health strategies, detailing first-aid steps and dengue prevention. Photo by Rubenson B. Bilag.

Local police officers clarified legal protections that keep schools safe and explained how juvenile justice works. Minors aged 15 and below who commit offenses undergo constructive rehabilitation programs managed by the barangay, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), police, and local faith groups. This restorative approach helps young people stay on the right path through community guidance rather than punishment.

The officers also detailed key laws protecting student dignity:

• PSSG Moore A. Ugalde highlighted Republic Act 11053 (Anti-Hazing Act).
• PCPL Donalyn A. Balun explained Republic Act 10627 (Anti-Bullying Act), encouraging active empathy and reporting.
• PCPL Melorie S. Pating outlined digital and physical safety laws, including cybercrime prevention, Republic Act 9995 (Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act), and Republic Act 11313 (Safe Spaces Act)

Fire Officer 1 Roderick B. Paca of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) led a practical lesson on fire prevention. FO1 Paca warned against common hazards like frayed holiday lights or overloaded outlets.

He walked students through clear steps during a fire: alert others immediately, follow teacher instructions, and evacuate calmly. He also trained the audience on the TPASS method for operating fire extinguishers: Twist the seal, Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the lever, and Sweep side-to-side.

DISASTER READINESS. FO1 Paca of the BFP demonstrates fire prevention and tactical emergency response protocols. Photo by Rubenson B. Bilag.

Representing Punong Barangay Mateo B. Batane, Liza Likigan highlighted how local officials coordinate with school security to keep areas outside the campus gates safe through regular night patrols and community programs.

A central highlight of the week was introducing the DepEd “My Buddy System.” This program pairs students together during daily routines, off-campus trips, and emergencies so that no student feels isolated or left behind. Buddies look out for one another during evacuations, notice early signs of illness or distress, and report safety concerns or bullying to school authorities.

Student leaders also pledged their active support. SSLG President Justine Clyde Bolislis led the student body in reciting the Panata, reaffirming that students share the duty of keeping their campus safe.

COMMUNITY COVENANT. School leaders, police officers, BFP personnel, and civic officials raise their hands during the opening pledge. Photo by Rubenson B. Bilag

The event concluded with school administrators, guest speakers, Barangay Health Workers, and Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) officials, including PTA Secretary Liza Dalula and the PTA President, signing the School Safety Commitment Wall. Each signature marked a joint promise between families, the school, and local government to protect the youth.

Closing the program, Madam Carol C. Ferrer reflected on the meaning of solidarity, reminding everyone that building a secure environment requires daily care, open communication, and team effort.

Through this campaign, MNHS continues to lead campus preparedness in the region, proving that strong community ties build the safest schools.

UNITED FOR SAFETY. Principal Angupa signs the School Safety Commitment Wall alongside LGU and PTA representatives. Photo by Rubenson B. Bilag

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About the Author:

Rubenson “Rubie” B. Bilag is a trans woman public secondary school English teacher at Mankayan National High School in Benguet. Her cultural research and writing explore indigenous heritage, traditional ecological knowledge, and community resilience across the Cordillera highlands. She is a graduate of the Master of Arts in English program at Baguio Central University.

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