CEBU, Philippines - Just in time for the opening of classes, at least 16 closed-circuit television cameras are installed at the Apas National High School in Cebu City.
Apas Barangay Captain Ramil Ayuman said the cameras are connected directly to their barangay hall, thus they can monitor students and ensure their safety.
Last year, 16 security cameras were also installed at the Camp Lapu-Lapu Elementary School, also in Barangay Apas.
The 32 cameras cost at least P5.4 million but after getting a huge discount from the supplier who is also a resident of Apas, Ayuman said the barangay only shelled out P800,000.
Ayuman said they are also planning to put up CCTV cameras along barangay roads with establishments.
He said he has anticipated Gaisano Country Mall to provide its own CCTV cameras while the management of Pino Restaurant, located along Wilson St. in Barangay Lahug, has agreed to install its own cameras.
According to Ayuman, carnapping and robbery incidents became rampant in their barangay, which pushed them to put up CCTV cameras for the safety of his constituents in general.
The barangay captain expects the cameras to be wifi-ready before classes open.
Ayuman said they already have a command center in their barangay with a speaker to be used in relaying announcements, warnings and advisories to the residents. —(FREEMAN)