‘Kalinga schools tighten security, shift to alternative learning amid BUTBUT-TULGAO tribal conflict’ - Gov. Edduba updates steps taken to ensure students safety

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Schools in Kalinga have tightened campus security and shifted some affected students to alternative learning arrangements as the Butbut-Tulgao conflict continues to affect the movement and safety of learners from the two communities.

The measures were discussed during the emergency meeting of the Kalinga Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) chaired by Governor James S. Edduba on September 16, where education officials and representatives of colleges and universities reported the steps they had taken to protect students while keeping them in school.

Among the measures implemented were stricter campus security, security checks, modular learning and other alternative delivery modes for students who could not safely travel from their communities.

At St. Louis College of Bulanao (SLCB), an “Operation Kapkap” was implemented for people entering the campus. The school reported 68 students from the affected tribes—24 from Tulgao and 44 from Butbut—and allowed affected students to be excused from classes during tribal conflict while continuing to access academic activities and services through its learning management system.

Kalinga State University (KSU) also strengthened security inside its campus and temporarily prohibited public utility vehicles from entering the university as a precautionary measure.

The International School of Asia and the Pacific (ISAP) implemented security checks and reported that students from the Butbut and Tulgao communities had already been brought to safer areas by their respective communities. The school also planned to provide psychological support to affected learners.

Meanwhile, Kalinga Colleges of Science and Technology (KCST) granted requests for modular learning to students affected by the conflict and urged parents to keep their children at home while completing their modules.

For basic education, DepEd-Kalinga implemented alternative delivery modes for students who could not leave their villages because of the conflict. Classes, however, continued in schools located within the Butbut and Tulgao communities.

The DepEd-Tabuk City Schools Division Office reported that 11 schools have students from the two affected tribes and said it was prepared to implement measures to protect them while ensuring continuity of learning.

As of September 11, the DepEd National Inventory Dashboard listed 194 schools in the Kalinga Schools Division.

Edduba earlier instructed education officials and school administrators to strictly implement security protocols and strengthen monitoring and checking in schools.

He also said students from Nambaran studying in Tabuk who wish to temporarily return closer to their communities may transfer to schools in Nambaran, while students from Butbut may temporarily transfer to Agbannawag, where high schools are available.

For college students, Edduba said temporary transfer options are more limited, prompting instructions for higher education institutions to strengthen coordination with the police and their security personnel.

The governor also cited security protocols adopted by St. William’s Academy and SLCB during serious bodong-related situations as possible references for other schools.

He urged college and university officials to coordinate with law enforcement and maintain security patrols in areas between communities where conflict has been reported.

Edduba thanked schools and education officials for their immediate response, emphasizing the need to protect students while minimizing disruption to their education.

The Provincial Government of Kalinga, Tinglayan municipal government, schools, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders continue to coordinate measures aimed at protecting affected communities and keeping students safe while peace efforts continue.