It aims to test emergency response protocols and enhance security within campuses.
Following the tragic incident at the San Jose National High School in Tacloban City last June 22, where two students open fired inside the campus that led to three casualties and more than a dozen injuries, the Department of Education (DepEd) has piloted a new simulation drill.
The Manila Science High School, the pilot science high school in the country, was selected as the site for the said safety drill, where students, teachers, school staff, and local authorities all participated.
In the drill, an active threat was simulated with students and teachers proceeding to do lockdown procedures for scenarios where escape was not possible.
Participants locked and barricaded doors and windows, turned off lights, silenced devices, and remained hidden until authorities arrived and arrested the suspect.
It was as only once a safe path was confirmed that the teachers guided students to evacuate immediately, keeping their hands visible, toward the designated school reunification zone.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara, who also led the launch of the National Safe Schools Summit, previously directed all public schools to develop their own active threat response plans that are appropriate for their specific environment.
“This fight is not DepEd’s fight alone; it is a challenge we must face together, especially given the complexities we have seen in recent weeks,” noted Angara. “We rely on the active support of our parents, families, communities, local governments, and our partners across all levels of government to ensure our schools remain safe havens.”
The official also said that the department’s focus is on proactive prevention and readiness, adding that adhering to established safety protocols is a “vital step in saving lives.”
Furthermore, Angara also stressed that the focus is on proactively protecting the school community through preparedness and prevention.
Personnel are currently being retrained, while also strengthening the existing foundation of school safety.
Meanwhile, at the National Safe Schools Summit, key stakeholders were brought in to unify campus security strategies, strengthen multi-agency collaboration, and initiate active threat simulation drills.
The activity utilized a whole-of-community approach in which national agencies, local government units (LGUs), civil society, and private institutions came together for a synchronized safety framework nationwide.
“We can no longer allow security threats to place the lives of our learners in harm’s way. It is important that we are prepared to face any threat. No family should ever have to grieve again because of a school tragedy,” emphasized Secretary Angara.
The activity also had breakout sessions, where guidance on critical aspects of security such as school contingency plans for active attacks; psychological first aid for students and teachers; protection of students’ rights; and cyber-safety issues were tackled.
In addition, the use of the Adopt-a-School Program and Special Education Fund by local governments to fund security equipment such as CCTV systems and other essential equipment were also includrd.
DepEd said thar initiative is based on the implementation of the DepEd Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment (ESMLE) under DepEd Order No. 006, s. 2026, which was issued last March.
The said framework integrates existing student rights policies and safety protocols into a comprehensive mechanism for prevention and response.
Angara also reiterated the importance of community participation while thanking partner departments and agencies.
