Active Shooter Preparedness Seminar with Calatagan MPS
Active Shooter Preparedness Seminar Strengthens School Safety Awareness
Preparing for emergencies can save lives.
Gun violence is a recognized issue in the Philippines, yet random, large-scale school shootings remain historically uncommon. Firearm incidents near educational institutions are typically linked to specific personal grievances, political targets, interpersonal conflicts, or severe bullying. Nonetheless, high-profile cases consistently reignite crucial national conversations around school security, firearm regulation, bullying prevention, and youth mental health care.
In response to heightened security risks, the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) initiated nationwide active-shooter and campus lockdown drills across public schools.
To promote safety and readiness, the E. Zobel Foundation, Inc., in partnership with the Calatagan Municipal Police Station (MPS), conducted a seminar titled "Active Shooter Preparedness" at ENZO TECH Social Hall last Saturday, July 18, 2026. It was facilitated by the guest speakers from Calatagan MPS, PEMS Sherwin N. Caparas, Municipal Executive Senior Police Officer, and PSSg Myra B. Domingo, Chief Women and Children Protection Desk – Police Non-Commissioned Officer, and was attended by the EZF employees, faculty, and staff, and parents of the students of Senior High School learners.
The session equipped parents of students, faculty, security guards, and admin with practical knowledge on how to respond during an active shooter emergency using the proven approach RUN, HIDE, FIGHT.
Participants learned to:
• RUN if it is safe to escape and immediately move away from danger.
• HIDE by securing themselves in a safe location when escape is not possible.
• FIGHT only as a last resort when their lives are in immediate danger.
The seminar also emphasized staying calm, following law enforcement instructions, reporting suspicious activities, taking emergency drills seriously, and helping others whenever it is safe to do so.
Although active shooting incidents are rare, preparedness and awareness can make a critical difference during emergencies. Through this initiative, the E. Zobel Foundation, Inc. and the Calatagan MPS reaffirm their commitment to fostering a safe, informed, and resilient school community where every student and staff member knows how to respond when every second counts.
Before the seminar concluded, Mr. Paulino Buenconsejo, Executive Director of the E. Zobel Foundation, Inc., shared an inspiring message about the importance of supporting students' mental health and the vital role parents play in their children's emotional well-being. He encouraged parents to nurture their children's aspirations, leaving everyone with a memorable reminder: "Turuan n'yo ang anak n'yo mangarap." He emphasized that a child who has dreams and goals is more likely to stay focused, make positive choices, and build a brighter future.
