Luis Y. Ferrer Jr. North National High School (LYFJNNHS) took a bold step toward holistic education and youth empowerment with the launch of its Space Program Curriculum Symposium titled โSafe Screens, Safe Places: Upholding Protection Through Digital Responsibility.โ Held at the Special Program in the Arts (SPA) Room, the day-long event gathered students, educators, parents, government officials, and health professionals to address digital safety, mental health, sexual harassment, and drug rehabilitation.
The symposium opened with a solemn rendition of the Philippine National Anthem and a prayer, followed by a welcome message from Inclusive Education Coordinator Ms. Inky Jane E. Latumbo. Setting the tone, Ms. Nancy S. Reyes, SECURE PUSO Coordinator, emphasized, โDigital responsibility begins with emotional accountability. We must care for our minds as much as we care for our screens.โ
Barangay Pasong Camachile II Councilor Hon. Jojo Garcia highlighted the role of local governance in protecting youth from online exploitation. Legal expert Atty. Jerome G. Salazar followed with a comprehensive talk on cyberbullying and digital rights, urging students to โknow your rights and never be afraid to report abuse.โ
A stirring intermission by Coro Del Norte echoed themes of resilience and healing, setting the stage for heartfelt testimonies from former and current SPTA Officers Mrs. Norma Ramos and Mrs. Danielle A. Casuyon.
โSilence is not safety,โ said Mrs. Ramos. โWe must speak up about harassmentโwhether it happens in person or online. Our children deserve safe spaces.โ
Representatives from the Department of Health Tagaytay introduced the countryโs first Treatment and Rehabilitation Center, formerly under the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). Ms. Cynthia B. Salazar, Mr. Shedrick V. Velasco, and Ms. Kristine Ilenea Mae P. Uchi reframed addiction as a public health issue, advocating for compassion and systemic reform.
In a surprise appearance, Barangay Captain Hon. Jowie S. Carampot expressed full support for the initiative. โNorth High continues to lead with heart and vision. We in the barangay are proud to stand behind programs that protect and uplift our youth,โ he said.
North High Principal Dr. Naneth P. Salvador praised the collaborative spirit of the event. โThis symposium is not just a school activityโitโs a movement. We are shaping responsible digital citizens and emotionally resilient individuals.โ
Student attendees shared their reflections on the symposiumโs impact. โI realized how important it is to be mindful of what we post and how we treat others online,โ said Grade 10 student Briallen Navarro, while Grade 9 student Daniella Casuyon added, โHearing real stories made me feel seen. Weโre not alone in our struggles.โ
The symposium concluded at 3:30 p.m., leaving participants with renewed awareness and a shared commitment to building safer, more empathetic communitiesโboth online and offline.
