Reflections on the Safeguarding Seminar: Strengthening our commitment to student safety

Ivan Faith Colinares

I joined the Safeguarding Seminar for Jesuit institutions in Bukidnon from 23 to 24 November 2024 at the Jesuit Retreat House in Malaybalay. It was an eye-opening experience that Father Michael Porcia SJ facilitated and brought together educators to discuss more effective protection of vulnerable individuals from abuse and ensure that our schools remain safe spaces for learning.

The initial discussion was on whether each school had safeguarding protocols in place. I was proud to share APC’s safeguarding protocol, demonstrating our commitment to protecting our students.

However, hearing from other schools about their experiences handling abuse cases was sobering. It made me realize that just because we have not encountered such cases firsthand does not mean they do not exist.

The seminar heightened my awareness on the importance of remaining vigilant and sensitive, particularly to students who are most at risk – those from poor households, with absent parents, or from single-parent families.

A crucial lesson I took away was the critical need to set professional boundaries between teachers and students. While fostering a supportive environment is vital, maintaining clear boundaries helps prevent potential situations of possible abuse and ensures that students always feel safe.

On the second day, we focused on practical ways to respond to abuse cases. We learned that the first step is simply being a good listener – many victims just need to be heard without judgment.

However, we were also reminded of our limits. If a situation is beyond our capacity to respond, it is essential to refer cases to experts and school administrators.

The seminar also emphasized the value of strengthening relationships between schools and parents. Creating spaces for parents to reflect on their roles can help prevent abuse and build a more supportive environment for students.

This experience deepened my understanding of the vital role of safeguarding in education. As educators, we must actively recognize signs of abuse and ensure our students always feel safe and protected. The seminar reinforced my belief that safeguarding is not just a policy – it is a responsibility we all share.

Ms Ivan Faith Colinares is a teacher and Curriculum Manager at APC.