Manila: Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara is advocating for a proposed law that aims to reinforce and permanently establish school safety and learner protection programs, following recent shooting incidents in Tacloban City and Zamboanga City.
According to Philippines News Agency, Angara attended the Senate plenary session on Wednesday as Senator Bam Aquino, who chairs the Senate Committee on Basic Education, introduced Senate Bill 2426, also known as the proposed Comprehensive School Safety Act. The bill's objective is to formalize DepEd's ongoing learner protection programs and ensure the continued funding and implementation of essential safety measures.
Angara expressed that the proposal would fortify the reforms currently being implemented by DepEd. "We extend our deepest gratitude to Senator Bam Aquino, as well as the co-authors of the Comprehensive School Safety Act. This measure institutionalizes our ongoing reforms, including the nationwide School Safety Campaign and the Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment (ESMLE)," he stated.
The proposed legislation outlines school safety measures based on three foundational frameworks: prevention, response, and recovery. The prevention framework involves risk identification and safety training for parents, teachers, and student leaders. The response framework includes emergency protocols, communication networks, safety drills for active attacks, and coordination with authorities. The recovery phase focuses on providing psychosocial support, trauma-informed care, and structured plans for returning to school for affected personnel and families.
This legislative move comes in the wake of the recent campus shootings in Tacloban City and Zamboanga City. Angara emphasized that school safety should encompass both physical campus security and the mental and behavioral health challenges impacting learners. "By converting our campus security, anti-bullying, and mental health support protocols into a permanent national framework, the bill guarantees these safeguards remain funded and sustained for future generations," he explained.
DepEd's ongoing School Safety Campaign advocates for public schools to utilize handheld metal detectors, enforce strict visitor management systems, conduct regular bag inspections, and maintain perimeter fencing and CCTV networks. Additionally, police patrols and security personnel are being increased and deployed according to school needs.
The department is also enhancing learner protection under DepEd Order 006, s. 2026, or the ESMLE guidelines, which reinforce Child Protection Committees, expand the National Learners Telesafe Contact Center Helpline (LTCCH) in collaboration with the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH), and strengthen reporting mechanisms for bullying, abuse, and trauma, including provisions for psychosocial assistance.
Furthermore, DepEd is expediting the recruitment of 10,000 School Counselor Associates to assist schools in identifying warning signs of distress and encouraging learners to seek help. During his sponsorship speech, Aquino urged Congress to prioritize the bill and include it in the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) priority list. Several senators expressed full support and co-sponsored the measure.
"As President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has stated, our schools must remain safe havens for learning. Protecting our children requires a whole-of-community commitment. We stand in full support of Senator Aquino and the Senate to ensure the swift passage of this landmark legislation," Angara added.
