It is part of a nationwide initiative that aims to promote a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment for students.
On Monday, October 12, the Department of Education (DepEd) led the launch of teh National Schools Safety Week at Cainta Elementary School, which brought together key government agencies, local officials, school administrators, and parents.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara led the official launch of the program, which strengthens mechanisms to combat school-based violence, bullying, and online exploitation.
He emphasized that campus safety and student protection are fundamental prerequisites for quality education and the overall well-being of children.
Moreover, he also expressed gratitude to partner agencies, organizations, and local government units for their support and participation.
A highlight of the program was the ceremonial signing and recitation of the “Whole-of-Community Pledge for Safer Schools,” which unites stakeholders in a shared commitment to safeguard the safety, health, and well-being of every child, while also firmly opposing bullying, violence, discrimination, and abuse.
“Bilang bahagi ng isang nagkakaisang komunidad, nangangako kaming pangangalagaan ang bawat bata, ang kanilang kaligtasan, kalusugan, at kapakanan. Nangangako kaming itataguyod ang mga paaralang ligtas, mapagkalinga, at nagbibigay-galang sa dignidad ng bawat bata,” part of the pledge read.
It continued, “Maninindigan kami laban sa bullying, karahasan, diskriminasyon, at anumang uri ng pang-aabuso. Makikinig kami sa mga bata, igagalang ang kanilang tinig, at tutugon sa kanilang mga pangangailangan. Gagabayan at poprotektahan namin ang mga bata laban sa anumang panganib, sa loob at labas ng paaralan.”
Angara also stated that safeguarding children extends beyond school gates and requires active collaboration between institutions and families.
“We deal with it as a community. We are not powerless. Marami tayong magagawa. Marami tayong tools at our disposal para bigyan ng lunas ang suliraning ito ng ating paaralan pero kailangan magsama-sama tayo bilang isang komunidad na nagmamahal sa ating mga anak at concerned sa kanilang future.”
The education chief also emphasized that many of those who commit acts of violence are young persons easily influenced by others or were recruited by bad actors online.
RECOGNITION OF YOUNG HERO
Meanwhile, the department also recognized the bravery of a student hero, 14-year-old Bryan Ezel Pamonag of Banga National High School in Banga, South Cotabato, for his actions during a shooting incident at their school on September 18, 2026.
Despite sustaining a gunshot wound to his arm, Pamonag bravely confronted the perpetrator, closed the classroom door, and blocked the window to enable his classmates to escape safely.
“Ang katapangan ni Bryan ay nagbibigay inspirasyon, ngunit paalala rin ito ng ating pananagutang tiyakin na ang bawat bata ay may ligtas na kapaligiran na malaya silang matuto, mangarap, at maabot ang kanilang buong potensyal,” said Angara, while emphasizing the shared responsibility of the school, family, and community for safety in schools.
In the midst of the incident, Pamonag said being a hero or getting fame never crossed his mind, as his sole objective was to save the lives of his classmates.
“Ang sugat ko sa kamay ko ay gagaling din, pero ang sakit ng pagkawala ng aming classmate, kasama na ang lahat ng biktima at namatay sa trahedyang ito, ay palaging nagpapaalala sa atin kung gaano kahalaga ang buhay ng bawat tao,” he said. “Kaya ang award na ito ay hindi na lamang para sa sarili ko. Inaalay ko po ito para sa kanila, sa kanilang pamilya, at sa buong Banga National High School.”
“Salamat po dahil pinatunayan ninyo na kahit 14 years old pa lamang ako, hindi ako nag-iisa. Ang award na ito ay para sa katatagan sa pagbangon nating lahat,” Pamonag added.
The school-level implementation of DepEd’s Kaagapay Program was also launched during National School Safety Week, where 200 parents from Cainta Elementary School participated in in-depth sessions aimed at bridging home life and campus safety.
Through the Kaagapay Program, parents and guardians are equipped with practical tools and strategies focused on four key areas, which are socio-emotional and values support; positive discipline and behavioral guidance; awareness of and response to bullying; and the partnership between home, school, and community.
Angara also highlighted the Kaagapay Program’s role in strengthening ties between school communities and families—moving beyond academic performance to address pressing issues regarding campus safety.
Sessions at Cainta Elementary School covered contemporary challenges such as raising children in the digital age and online risks, digital parenting tools, and DepEd reporting protocols under Department Order No. 006, s. 2026 (Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment or ESMLE). The program also sought to empower parents through knowledge sharing and focus group discussions.
The National School Safety Week is being observed from October 12 to 16, 2026, in all public schools and Community Learning Centers nationwide, featuring integrated safety lessons, awareness of emergency hotlines, and support frameworks.
