DepEd rolls out national school safety campaign after Tacloban shooting

Following the fatal school shooting at a public school in Tacloban City on June 22, the Department of Education (DepEd) launched the School Safety Campaign to strengthen nationwide campus security and student protection.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara announced the launch on Friday, emphasizing that the protection of youth is a priority and schools must be safe learning environments.

"We are moving with urgency because protecting our children is our absolute priority, and as President Bongbong Marcos always emphasizes, our schools must strictly remain safe zones for learning," Angara said.

As part of the campaign, DepEd will deploy handheld metal detectors, enforce stricter visitor management systems, conduct regular bag inspections, expand closed-circuit television (CCTV) coverage, and strategically assign security personnel in public schools.

The department is also carrying out safety audits to assess school infrastructure, including perimeter fences, entry and exit points, lighting, and emergency exits, to identify vulnerabilities and improve campus security.

Beyond physical security, DepEd is intensifying the implementation of the Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment, the Anti-Bullying Act, and existing child protection policies.

School officials will undergo reorientation on proper procedures for reporting, investigating, and responding to incidents involving learners, while Schools Division Offices have been instructed to strengthen coordination with local police, barangay officials, parents, and community leaders.

At the national level, DepEd is coordinating its response and referral 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 department is likewise establishing confidential and accessible reporting channels where students can report bullying, violence, cyberbullying, and other protection issues without fear of retaliation.

Recognizing the growing risks in online spaces, DepEd will introduce age-appropriate digital citizenship and online safety programs for students, parents, and school personnel.

Student leaders and parent-teacher associations are also being consulted to identify obstacles that discourage learners from reporting threats or incidents.

"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," Angara added, referring to the shooting incident at Tacloban's San Jose National High School.

Report by Simone Flora | #TheLOStories