MU, CDMO implements additional and heightened campus safety measures

Article by: Hailey Jade Miranda and Ross Daniel Martin

Photo by: Angelica Stacy D. de Guzman

In a statement issued by the Mapúa University (MU) administration on August 24, the University announced it would implement heightened security guidelines starting August 25 in response to rising cases of safety violations at educational institutions nationwide. Under the University’s Campus Development and Maintenance Office (CDMO), Policies on 'No ID-No entry', visual identity checks, thorough inspections, increased security personnel presence & monitoring, visitor registration, and other policies have since taken effect across all campuses of Intramuros, Makati, and Ayala Malls Manila Bay.

New policies and facilities to aid campus security The University's CDMO expanded its security infrastructure and facilities to effectively reinforce the mandated protocols. Comprehensive safety measures will remain in effect across all campuses. Key facility adjustments include a strict “No ID, No Entry” policy requiring students and personnel to wear valid University IDs at all times while on the premises. Moreover, entry protocols mandate facial verification, purpose checks, inspection of items carried, walk-through metal detector screenings, visitor passes, and the use of color-coded passes to restrict access to authorized areas.

Other measures include strict prohibitions against dangerous weapons and explosive materials. Vehicles and parking are subject to a strict “No Car Sticker, No Entry” policy, as well as identity verification for guests and suppliers. Campus protocols extend to buildings and rooms, such as offices, laboratories, and classrooms, which will be secured when unattended, and to other access-control technologies, when applicable. Continuous CCTV surveillance, alarm systems, and emergency communications will be in place, along with a Public Address System to make important emergency announcements to the community.

To support the implementation, CDMO has also aligned its operational structures with both external and internal stakeholders to establish effective security measures that maintain the University’s daily operations. Safety Manager Sheeree Ann R. Salvador, explained that “Our approach is not simply to increase security personnel or inspections. It is to set up a coordinated system where prevention, preparedness, response, communication, and recovery work together.” The office has reinforced a clear, direct line of communication with its internal stakeholders, including the academic and administrative units, the Campus Development Office, Health Services, and Emergency Response Teams. On the other hand, external correspondence with the necessary government and law enforcement agencies is supported to prepare for emergencies.

Aside from adjusting its operational structures, CDMO is also committed to continuously adapting to any identified risks and operational requirements. Sharing that “We are also continuously reviewing and enhancing security procedures, post orders, access-control measures, emergency communication systems, and response protocols.” In addition to changes to its infrastructure, the office regularly trains its personnel to be well-equipped to handle emergencies and other unexpected situations that may arise suddenly.

However, these factors are not the only factors being considered by the office, stating that “Security effectiveness depends on more than personnel alone. It also requires reliable infrastructure, communication systems, clear procedures, and cooperation from the entire University community.” Policy and facility adjustments As stricter inspection procedures may affect the flow of people entering and leaving the campus, Ms. Salvador has shared measures to manage congestion during peak hours and in other situations that may increase foot traffic.“Yes. Maintaining security should not unnecessarily compromise the safe and orderly movement of students, faculty, employees, and visitors [...] During periods of heavy pedestrian traffic, the University may activate additional personnel to manage queues, provide directions, and assist with crowd movement. Entry and exit arrangements may also be adjusted depending on the situation." In anticipation of bottlenecks at access points, designated entrances may serve as exit routes, subject to security and continued ID-tapping or other verification requirements, while additional lanes or controlled pathways may be opened to ease pedestrian flow without compromising security checks in instances of anticipated increases in student volume.

Meanwhile, in the event of sudden class suspensions, safety measures would be adjusted based on the circumstances. The CDMO-Safety will coordinate with top management and other concerned offices to ensure proper campus access, exits, crowd movement, and communication for students. “The priority is to ensure that any change in campus operations is communicated clearly and implemented in an organized manner, while maintaining appropriate security controls.” Promoting a safer campus

In addition to managing access and movement, the office has established reporting procedures for concerns encountered within the campus. The safety manager reminds the community, “If you see something, say something,” encouraging students and personnel to remain vigilant and speak up when they witness suspicious behavior. Early reporting may appear minor at first, but it can become a serious safety issue if left unaddressed.  

As for incident reports, Ms. Salvador shared that “Anyone who observes such issues should promptly report them to the Security and Safety Office or through the appropriate university emergency channels.” Additionally, procedures for reporting behavioral red flags can be submitted through the official Occupational Safety and Health communications channels.

Any physical hazards, such as damaged doors, defective locks, unsafe electrical conditions, blocked exits, damaged railings, water leaks, or other facility-related concerns, should also be reported through the mentioned channels. In the event of an immediate emergency, students are encouraged to contact Security or the appropriate emergency response personnel. 

While reporting potential threats is an important part of campus safety, the office also outlined several precautions that students and personnel can observe in their daily activities. Given that Safety and security are shared responsibilities, Ms. Salvador expressed that “The University can establish policies, provide personnel and equipment, and maintain emergency systems, but these measures are most effective when everyone participates.” Basic safety practices include properly wearing IDs, complying with security screenings, reporting suspicious behavior and physical hazards, and keeping emergency routes unobstructed.

As MU implements heightened security measures covering campus entry, inspections, crowd control, emergency response, and the reporting of safety concerns, the community is likewise reminded to remain proactive rather than reactive, addressing potential risks before they escalate into incidents. With these guidelines becoming part of the daily campus life, keeping the student body and personnel safe remains a matter of staying prepared and knowing when to respond.