THE SENATE on Monday approved on third and final reading a measure establishing a nationwide school safety framework aimed at protecting students, teachers, and other school personnel from violence, emergencies, and other threats.

Senate Bill No. 2426, or the proposed Comprehensive School Safety Act, was approved with 17 affirmative votes and no negative votes or abstentions.

Senator Bam Aquino, sponsor of the measure, said schools should remain safe spaces where children can learn, develop their character, and pursue their dreams.

“Schools should be a safe space where our children learn, develop their character, and build their dreams. It should not be a place of fear, harm, or violence,” Aquino said.

Aquino said the measure has become more urgent following a series of violent incidents in schools, including the recent shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato that left three students dead.

The bill mandates the establishment of a National School Safety Framework, to be led by the Department of Education (DepEd) in coordination with other government agencies, local government units, and stakeholders.

The framework will set minimum standards for the prevention of, response to, and recovery from threats and incidents affecting school safety.

It also requires schools to develop localized School Safety Plans to operationalize the national framework based on their respective circumstances and risks.

The measure provides for stronger campus security, including CCTV systems, additional security measures when necessary, emergency response mechanisms, and anonymous reporting systems. It also includes counseling and psychological support for students and school personnel affected by emergencies or traumatic incidents.

The bill further calls for safety training, emergency procedures, drills, and stronger coordination among schools, families, local communities, government agencies, and law enforcement.

Aquino said the measure seeks to institutionalize a comprehensive approach to school safety that covers not only prevention and emergency response but also recovery and psychosocial support.

With its approval on third and final reading, the proposed Comprehensive School Safety Act moves to the next stage of the legislative process.