The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has directed all local government units (LGUs) to establish Safer School Zones (SSZs) nationwide and mobilize 277,744 barangay tanods to help protect learners from crime, violence, traffic hazards, and other threats around schools.

The directive, issued through Memorandum Circular No. 2026-037, forms part of the Marcos administration's whole-of-nation approach to public safety and child protection by strengthening coordination among LGUs, schools, law enforcement agencies, and communities.

"Schools must remain places of learning, not places of fear. Through Safer School Zones, local governments, barangays, schools, law enforcement agencies, parents, and communities will work together to better protect every learner," the DILG said in a statement on Wednesday.

The memorandum institutionalizes Safer School Zones under the government's Safer Cities and Safer Communities Initiative and directs governors, city and municipal mayors, punong barangays, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other stakeholders to enhance safety and security around public and private schools.

LGUs were instructed to identify and address safety and security risks within school zones, including unsafe roads and pedestrian facilities, speeding vehicles, fire and disaster hazards, and other threats to students.

The DILG also encouraged LGUs to enact or strengthen local ordinances covering traffic management, pedestrian safety, crime prevention, violence prevention, and public order around schools.

Under the directive, barangay tanods will serve as force multipliers by maintaining a visible presence, conducting roving patrols, assisting in traffic management, providing immediate assistance, and reporting incidents to the appropriate authorities.

However, their operations are limited to areas outside school premises unless authorized by school officials or when immediate lawful assistance is necessary.

The memorandum also reiterates that barangay tanods shall remain unarmed civilian community support personnel and must immediately refer incidents requiring police, fire, medical, social welfare, or other specialized response to the proper authorities.

Based on consolidated DILG data, 277,744 barangay tanods serving in 42,010 barangays nationwide are expected to support the implementation of the initiative by helping maintain peace and order around school communities.

The DILG said the Safer School Zones initiative reinforces the government's commitment to providing learners with a safe and orderly environment through coordinated public safety measures.