28/09/2026
SDO Lipa City Implements Learner Safety and Well-Being through Project LISTEN
The Schools Division Office of Lipa City continues to strengthen its commitment to learner safety, security, protection, and well-being through the implementation of Project LISTEN or Listen to Learners, Identify Risks Early, Strengthen Support System, Take Prompt Action, Engage Stakeholders, and Nurture Safe and Caring Schools.
The Division initiative is being implemented pursuant to Office Memorandum-SDS-2026-01-002, titled Development and Implementation of a School-Based Violence Prevention and Early Intervention Framework, dated August 19, 2026. The project underscores the Schools Division Office’s commitment to ensuring that every learner is heard, respected, protected, and provided with appropriate support.
Schools Division Superintendent Sir Homer N. Mendoza emphasized the importance of strengthening the presence and engagement of SDO personnel in schools as part of the Division’s continuing efforts to establish safe, caring, inclusive, and learner-centered learning environments.
Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Ronaldo V. Ramilo, together with CID Chief Dr. Lorna R. Medrano and SGOD Chief Dr. Minerva C. Caraos, provided direction and participated in the implementation of the initiative, particularly in strengthening school monitoring, early identification of concerns, coordination, and appropriate intervention.
As part of Project LISTEN, SDO personnel from the Office of the Schools Division Superintendent (OSDS), Curriculum Implementation Division (CID), and School Governance and Operations Division (SGOD) conduct regular school monitoring and visits every second and fourth Monday of the month.
The initial implementation of the initiative was carried out on September 21 and September 28, 2026, with designated monitoring officials visiting schools to engage with learners and check on their safety, protection, and overall well-being.
The school visits go beyond attendance at the Flag Raising Ceremony. The Public Schools District Supervisors (PSDSs), Education Program Supervisors (EPSs), and other personnel from the SGOD and CID serve as monitoring officials who engage with learners, check on their well-being, and provide opportunities for learners to freely express their concerns, experiences, and needs.
Through these interactions, monitoring officials help identify concerns and emerging issues that may not have been formally reported or documented, including bullying, intimidation, violence, emotional distress, interpersonal conflicts, and other learner-related concerns. They also remain alert to potential risks and warning signs that may require immediate attention, referral, or appropriate intervention.
Project LISTEN likewise strengthens the system of listening, early intervention, referral, case coordination, and follow-through, ensuring that identified concerns are appropriately addressed through coordinated action among schools and the Schools Division Office.
More importantly, the initiative demonstrates the commitment of the SDO Lipa leadership and personnel to be present, accessible, responsive, and ready to listen. Through the September 21 and 28 school visits, monitoring officials provided learners with opportunities to communicate their concerns and experience the presence and support of the Schools Division Office.
By maintaining regular engagement with learners, the Division seeks to foster a culture where learners feel safe to speak, confident to seek help, and assured that their concerns matter.
Through the collective efforts of the OSDS, CID, SGOD, PSDSs, EPSs, school heads, teachers, and other education personnel, Project LISTEN reinforces the shared responsibility of the entire education community in nurturing safe, caring, inclusive, and learner-centered schools across the Schools Division of Lipa City.
photos credited to rightful owners