Manila: More than 1,600 students of San Jose National High School (SJNHS) here received transparent backpacks on Monday from a local businessman as part of efforts to strengthen school security and help restore a sense of safety among students.

According to Philippines News Agency, Jimmy Yaokasin, a former city administrator and president of Toyota Tacloban, said the initiative followed their family's donation of a metal detector to the school last month. "During our donation of the metal detector last month, suggestions were raised that transparent backpacks should also be provided to the students. This will make the inspection process smoother and faster as students enter the school," Yaokasin said.

He mentioned that SJNHS was chosen for the donation due to a tragic incident at the school last June, which deeply affected students, teachers, and parents. The shooting incident on June 22 left three students dead and 20 others injured, prompting authorities and school officials to strengthen security measures and provide psychosocial support to the school community.

Yaokasin highlighted that the transparent backpacks are intended not only to help security personnel inspect students' belongings but also to give learners and their parents a greater sense of security. "We want the students to feel that they are safe when they come to school," he said.

Yaokasin emphasized the importance of allowing communities to gradually return to normal life despite threats of violence and terrorism. "To defeat terrorism, people have to live as normally as possible. This is one way of helping our students feel secure when they come to school," he said.

The school administration welcomed the donation, stating it demonstrates the strong support of stakeholders for the school's efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of its students, teachers, and the entire school community. Yaokasin also announced that his group will distribute Bibles to students and teachers as part of its effort to provide spiritual guidance and support.

He encouraged local government units and parent-teacher associations to consider donating school bags and other essential supplies to students. "These efforts are not only about providing material assistance. They are also about helping our students, teachers, and parents regain their confidence and sense of security," Yaokasin said.

The initiative complements the security measures being implemented by the school and authorities as SJNHS continues to rebuild a safe learning environment for its students.