BANGA, South Cotabato — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) promised sustained aid and long-term psychosocial interventions for families and individuals impacted by the September 18 shooting incident at Banga National High School (BNHS).
Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian confirmed during a visit on Sunday, September 20, that relief coverage extends beyond the immediate casualties to include educators, students, parents, and the broader local community dealing with emotional trauma.
While visiting hospitalized survivors and attending the wakes of the victims, Gatchalian met with BNHS teachers to assess ongoing needs and guarantee full coverage of medical costs.
“We visited those who are still in the hospital. Aside from financial assistance, we assured them that the DSWD will take care of all their hospital bills. For the families of those who died, we will ensure that long-term interventions are provided because we know that they are facing financial challenges. Aside from the burial assistance that we will extend, we will make sure that the families’ economic sustainability is protected,” Gatchalian said.
In partnership with the Department of Education, the agency deployed Psychological First Aid teams to the area and began establishing a trauma-informed care framework targeting the mental health of school personnel and students.
“We will make sure that we’re here for the long run, not only in terms of material assistance but also for the psychosocial, emotional, and mental well-being of the victims. When we say victim, we mean it broadly, not only the direct victims but also those in the school community or the greater community of the municipality,” Gatchalian added.
To coordinate regional support, Gatchalian convened a Management Committee meeting with DSWD Field Offices from Soccsksargen (Region 12), Eastern Visayas (Region 8), and Zamboanga Peninsula (Region 9).
The department is also leveraging updated Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) Family Development Sessions and the Parent Effectiveness Service Law to reinforce family support structures moving forward.
“At the DSWD, even before this happened, our heavy emphasis has been on strengthening our families. Stronger families, stronger homes mean stronger communities, and stronger communities mean a stronger country. That is why we have made a significant investment in the Family Development Sessions of 4Ps. We changed the curriculum because we need to keep up with the times,” Gatchalian noted.
The DSWD reaffirmed that its personnel will remain stationed in the municipality to render protective and welfare services for as long as necessary.