THE DEPARTMENT of Education (DepEd) is tightening campus security nationwide, strengthening anti-bullying efforts, and improving protection mechanisms for learners following the fatal shooting incident at a public high school in Tacloban City on June 22.

In a news release Friday, Education Secretary Sonny Angara announced the launch of the School Safety Campaign, a comprehensive effort to ensure that schools remain safe while enhancing supportive environments for learners through stronger prevention, reporting, response, and intervention mechanisms.

“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.

“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 (We will not allow our students to be put in danger. So we will further tighten coordination with our partners and stakeholders to ensure that such a tragedy does not happen again),” he added.

Angara said that to ensure the successful implementation of the program, DepEd is working with schools, parents, local government units (LGUs), law enforcement agencies, and community stakeholders to strengthen multi-sectoral coordination and effectively address safety concerns.

Under the initiative, DepEd is rolling out a range of security measures in public schools nationwide, including the deployment of handheld metal detectors, stricter visitor management systems, regular bag inspections, expanded closed-circuit television (CCTV) coverage, and the strategic deployment of security personnel.

The department is now conducting safety audits to assess school infrastructure, including perimeter fencing, access points, lighting, and emergency exits, to identify vulnerable areas and strengthen security in campuses that may face elevated risks.

Moreover, DepEd is intensifying the implementation of the Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment (ESMLE), the Anti-Bullying Act, and existing child protection policies.

School officials are also being reoriented on procedures for reporting, investigating, referring, and responding to incidents involving learners.

Meanwhile, Schools Division Offices (SDOs) have also been directed to strengthen collaboration with local police, barangay officials, parents, and community leaders to ensure prompt action on safety concerns.

At the national level, DepEd is aligning its response and referral protocols with the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), the Liga ng mga Barangay, the Department of Social Welfare and Development DSWD), and the Department of Health (DOH).

To improve reporting and early intervention, DepEd is establishing accessible and confidential channels where learners can report bullying, violence, cyberbullying, and other protection concerns.

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

Recognizing growing challenges in digital spaces, DepEd is introducing age-appropriate digital citizenship and online safety programs for learners, parents, and school personnel.

The department has also institutionalized intervention programs that provide access to psychological first aid, counseling, and psychosocial support services for both victims, perpetrators, and bystanders. (PNA)