The Department of Education (DepEd) is strengthening school safety by going beyond active attack drills and expanding mental health services and reporting mechanisms to better protect learners.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara said that while active attack drills are an important part of campus preparedness, they are only one component of creating a truly safe learning environment.
He stressed that protecting learners requires not only physical security measures but also stronger systems that safeguard their mental and emotional well-being and ensure they have safe channels to seek help.
“Hindi sapat na masanay lang ang ating mga mag-aaral sa mga drill para sa kanilang pisikal na kaligtasan; kailangan din nating siguruhin ang kanilang mental at emosyonal na kalusugan, at tiyaking may malalapitan silang helpline at mga gabay sa bawat paaralan nang walang takot,” Angara said.
The department’s initiatives form part of the nationwide, multi-agency effort led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen school safety across the country.
On Wednesday, DepEd spearheaded the launch of active attack safety drills during the National Safe Schools Summit at Manila Science High School. The drills complement a broader school safety framework that includes a nationwide school safety audit, increased police visibility around schools, and investments in CCTV systems, metal detectors, and the repair of school perimeter fences.
Recognizing that safety extends beyond physical protection, DepEd has expanded its National Learners TeleSafe Contact Center Helpline (LTCCH) to all regions, providing learners with a safe and accessible platform to report concerns without fear. Through its partnership with the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH), the department is also improving access to psychological support services for young people.
To further strengthen school-based mental health support, DepEd is fast-tracking the hiring of around 10,000 School Counselor Associates (SCAs) following the Civil Service Commission’s approval of their qualification standards. These personnel will provide direct assistance to learners by addressing mental health concerns and promoting emotional well-being within schools.
The department is likewise implementing localized anti-bullying initiatives and enhanced security measures under the Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment (ESMLE), or DepEd Order No. 6, s. 2026. These include basic security protocols such as regular bag inspections, alongside school-specific interventions to prevent bullying and violence.
DepEd is also integrating social-emotional learning (SEL) into classroom instruction to help learners recognize early warning signs of online and offline abuse. Lessons cover identifying red flags, understanding learners’ rights, anti-bullying programs, reporting and referral mechanisms, and encouraging help-seeking behavior.
Through sustained collaboration with families, local government units, law enforcement agencies, and communities, DepEd reaffirmed its commitment to making every school a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where every learner can thrive.
