Written by: Daphne Dee C. Dogcio

The University of Baguio High School (UBHS) continues to strengthen its commitment to student safety through a collaborative initiative led by the University of Baguio High School Parents Teachers Association (UBHS PTA), in coordination with the University’s Occupational Safety and Health Committee (OSHCom). Held on November 11–12, 2026, the initiative provided more than 2,000 UBHS learners with three-way whistles as practical tools to support emergency preparedness and promote a safer school environment.

In support of the UBHS SAFE Program, the activity highlighted the importance of equipping learners with simple yet useful tools that may help them respond and communicate during emergency situations. Beyond the distribution of whistles, the initiative emphasized the value of awareness, preparedness, and cooperation among students, parents, and the school community.

Strengthening Student Safety Through Preparedness

Student safety remains an important responsibility shared by the school, families, and the wider community. While schools continue to establish policies and procedures to protect learners, preparedness also requires students to understand how to respond when unexpected situations arise.

Recognizing this, the UBHS PTA extended its support by donating three-way whistles to the entire UBHS student population. With more than 2,000 learners receiving the whistles, the initiative aimed to provide students with an accessible tool that can assist them in signaling for attention or help when needed.

The distribution also served as a reminder that emergency preparedness is not limited to having safety equipment available. Students must also become familiar with the proper use of these tools and understand the importance of following established school safety procedures.

Through this initiative, UBHS reinforces the idea that promoting a safe learning environment involves both preventive measures and active participation from every member of the school community.

Demonstrating the Proper Use of Three-Way Whistles

An important part of the activity was the demonstration conducted by OSHCom representatives together with parent representatives. They showed learners how the three-way whistles would be used in times of emergency, helping students become more familiar with the equipment provided to them.

The demonstration emphasized that having a whistle is only one part of emergency preparedness. Knowing when and how to use it is equally important. By allowing students to observe the demonstration, the activity helped introduce a practical approach to emergency signaling and encouraged learners to become more aware of their responsibilities during unexpected situations.

The involvement of parent representatives also strengthened the collaborative nature of the initiative. Their participation demonstrated how parents can contribute to school safety efforts beyond their usual roles in supporting their children’s academic development.

Through the coordination of the PTA and OSHCom, the activity connected the provision of safety equipment with guidance and awareness. This approach supports the school’s continuing efforts to help learners become more prepared, responsible, and mindful of safety practices.

The UBHS SAFE Program: Building a Culture of Safety

The initiative supports the UBHS SAFE Program, which promotes a school environment where learners are encouraged to speak up, act responsibly, foster respect, and empower others.

A safe school community is built through consistent efforts that encourage awareness, accountability, and cooperation. While safety equipment provides practical assistance, a culture of safety also depends on how students understand and practice responsible behavior.

By distributing three-way whistles and demonstrating their use, UBHS adds another practical component to its continuing safety initiatives. The activity encourages learners to recognize that preparedness is a shared responsibility and that every individual has a role in helping maintain a secure and supportive school environment.

The initiative also complements the school’s broader commitment to learner welfare and protection. Through the SAFE Program, students are encouraged not only to understand safety measures but also to become active participants in creating a community where everyone feels protected, respected, and supported.

Strengthening the Partnership Between Parents and the School

The success of school-based safety initiatives depends on meaningful cooperation among different stakeholders. The participation of the UBHS PTA and OSHCom demonstrates how collaboration can translate shared concerns into practical action.

The PTA’s donation reflects the important contribution of parents in supporting programs that directly benefit learners. Meanwhile, OSHCom’s involvement in the demonstration helped connect the distribution of the whistles with the school’s occupational safety and health efforts.

This partnership highlights the value of a whole-school approach to safety. When parents, school personnel, and learners work together, safety initiatives become more than individual activities; they become shared commitments that help strengthen the entire school community.

The distribution of more than 2,000 whistles also demonstrates the importance of inclusive safety efforts. By extending the initiative to the entire UBHS student population, the school community reinforces the principle that every learner deserves access to safety awareness and preparedness initiatives.

The distribution of three-way whistles is a practical expression of UBHS’s continuing commitment to student safety. More than providing equipment, the initiative reinforces the importance of preparedness, awareness, and cooperation in responding to emergency situations.

With the support of the UBHS PTA, the coordination of OSHCom, and the participation of parent representatives, the activity demonstrates how a shared commitment can lead to meaningful action for the benefit of learners.

As UBHS continues to strengthen its SAFE Program, initiatives such as this serve as reminders that safety is not achieved through a single activity. It is developed through consistent preparation, responsible behavior, and the active involvement of the entire school community.

Ultimately, a safer UBHS begins with a community that looks after one another. Through continued collaboration and collective action, the University of Baguio High School moves forward in building a learning environment where every student is valued, protected, and empowered to contribute to the safety of others.

This initiative supports the University’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, by promoting learner safety and welfare, and SDG 4: Quality Education, by helping create a safe and inclusive learning environment. It also contributes to SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities through emergency preparedness and safer community practices. Furthermore, the collaboration among the UBHS PTA, OSHCom, parent representatives, and the school reflects SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, highlighting the importance of collective action in building a safer school community.