The Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday directed schools nationwide to maximize Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) as partners in promoting campus safety and learner welfare.

In a statement, DepEd said its Omnibus PTA Guidelines under DepEd Order 13 provide schools with a framework for strengthening parent-teacher partnerships, enabling PTAs to identify learner concerns early, support students, and mobilize communities in advancing child protection.

“Our conversations with parents should not begin only when a problem has already occurred. The PTA gives us the opportunity to build trust, identify warning signs early, and work together before issues escalate,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.

Under the guidelines, PTAs serve as forums where parents and teachers can discuss learner-related concerns and solutions, support school programs, and coordinate with local government units, civic organizations, and other stakeholders to promote learner welfare and school development.

DepEd urged schools to use PTA general assemblies and regular meetings to strengthen communication between parents and teachers, discuss learner attendance and behavior, identify students who may need additional support, and reinforce positive discipline, anti-bullying initiatives, responsible digital citizenship and mental health awareness.

It also encouraged school PTAs to organize parenting seminars, values formation activities, digital safety orientations, peer support initiatives, community dialogues and partnerships with barangays, local government units, youth organizations and health professionals.