Tacloban school gradually heals after fatal shooting. But more work needs to be done.

MANILA, Philippines – For three days, the community of San Jose National High School (SJNHS) in Tacloban City began the long process of healing after a fatal shooting occurred in their institution.

On June 22, two minors opened fire inside school premises, leaving three students killed and 20 others injured. A tragedy of that scale cannot be shaken off overnight.

Mass school shootings are unheard of in the Philippines, prompting a review of school safety guidelines. But more importantly, psychosocial support emerged as a critical need for healing.

Julienne Rose Peñaranda-Saballa, a registered guidance counselor of the Department of Education (DepEd) Tacloban Schools Division, led the development of the program for the SJNHS community.

In an interview with Rappler on Saturday, June 27, Saballa said more than 500 people were provided with psychological first aid (PFA) at the St. Roch the Healer Parish church and the San Jose Parish church in Tacloban City.