"Hindi natin hahayaang malagay sa panganib ang ating mga mag-aaral. Kaya lalo nating hihigpitan ang koordinasyon sa ating mga partner at stakeholder upang masigurong hindi na mauulit ang ganitong trahedya,” said Education Secretary Sonny Angara.
Angara convened all DepEd regional directors on Friday to ensure the immediate implementation of the directives nationwide, ordering school divisions to closely monitor compliance with the new security measures.
Among the measures being rolled out are the provision of handheld metal detectors in public schools, mandatory visitor management systems, regular bag inspections, expanded closed-circuit television (CCTV) coverage, and the deployment of security personnel in campuses.
DepEd also ordered comprehensive safety audits covering perimeter fences, school gates, lighting systems, emergency exits, and other physical infrastructure to identify campuses that require immediate security improvements.
Beyond physical security, the department said schools would undergo renewed orientation on existing child protection policies, the Anti-Bullying Act, and the Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment (ESMLE).
School administrators were also instructed to review reporting, investigation, referral, and intervention procedures for cases involving violence and bullying.
The department said Schools Division Offices have begun coordinating with local police, barangay officials, and parents to strengthen school security and improve reporting mechanisms.
At the national level, DepEd said it is aligning its response protocols with the Philippine National Police, the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, the Liga ng mga Barangay, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Department of Health.
The agency also plans to establish confidential reporting channels for bullying, violence, and other learner protection concerns while updating school emergency response procedures for lockdowns, evacuations, and active violence incidents.
To address online threats, DepEd said it would expand digital citizenship and online safety programs for students, parents, and school personnel, alongside psychosocial support services for victims, perpetrators, and witnesses involved in school-related incidents.
