“This is in view of the Department of Education’s commitment to ensuring safe, secure, and resilient learning environments, and in response to the increasing occurrence of active shooting and other active attack incidents affecting schools and communities worldwide,” the memorandum said.
It said DepEd would continue to strengthen preparedness “through preventive planning, capacity building, and emergency response measures.”
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Schools have been instructed to develop, review, or update their contingency plans and share approved copies with their local government units, the Philippine National Police, and parent-teacher associations.
The plans must address measures such as classroom security mechanisms, including double-locking systems, information and education materials, family reunification areas, safe rooms, evacuation routes, and emergency communication procedures.
Schools must also coordinate with the PNP, Bureau of Fire Protection, local disaster risk reduction and management offices and other relevant agencies. At least one representative from these stakeholders must be invited to serve as an external evaluator and provide recommendations for improving the school's contingency plan and future safety drills.
The memorandum also requires schools to activate their School Disaster Risk Reduction and Management teams and ensure members carry out their assigned roles.
DepEd stressed that the exercise should not put learners or personnel at further risk.
“Schools are reminded that the conduct of the drill shall prioritize the safety and psychological well-being of learners, teaching and non-teaching personnel,” the memorandum said. “Simulation activities shall be age-appropriate, trauma-informed, and focused on preparedness, protective actions, coordinated response, and post-incident recovery.”
