Akbayan Party-list Rep. Perci Cendana is calling for additional funding for mental health programs and psychosocial support for young people under the proposed 2027 National Budget following a shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University that left two people confirmed dead.
Cendana said the government should strengthen prevention and early intervention programs designed to address violence before incidents occur.
The congressman expressed concern that violence of this nature appears to be becoming normalized, stressing that schools should be safe places where students can learn and be creative rather than places they fear.
Cendana also urged the national government and local authorities to immediately provide assistance and psychosocial support to victims, survivors and their families following the shooting.
In addition to increased funding for mental health initiatives, Cendana called on the House of Representatives to pass the Child Safety Against Gun Violence Act.
The proposed measure seeks to strictly prevent minors from accessing firearms and establish schools as gun-free zones.
Cendana’s calls come in the aftermath of the shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University, where two people were confirmed killed.
The lawmaker said stronger prevention and early intervention efforts are needed as part of efforts to address violence involving young people.
He also emphasized the need for immediate psychosocial support for those directly affected by the incident, including victims, survivors and their families.
The appeal for additional mental health funding is tied to the proposed 2027 National Budget, while the call for passage of the Child Safety Against Gun Violence Act focuses on restricting minors’ access to firearms and protecting schools from gun violence.
Cendana’s proposals center on mental health support, early intervention, assistance for those affected by the shooting and stricter measures to prevent minors from accessing firearms.
