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 No. 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.

DepEd 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.

The department said these initiatives are reinforced by the Kaagapay Program under DepEd Memorandum No. 002, series of 2026, which aims to empower parents as co-educators in supporting values formation, learning, and bullying prevention at home.

It also urged parents to actively monitor their children's academic performance and attendance, provide feedback to teachers, and participate in school activities that promote learner welfare.

"The strongest safeguard against violence is a community that knows its children well," Angara said, adding that regular communication among parents, teachers, schools, and community partners can help address problems early and ensure learners feel safe and supported.