DepEd orders stricter safety measures to prevent violence, protect learners

The Department of Education (DepEd) has ordered stricter school safety measures and reinforced its violence prevention policies to protect learners and maintain secure learning environments across the country.

- BY MERLINA HERNANDO-MALIPOT

The directive follows a recent incident that raised concerns over school security.

In a memorandum dated August 8, Education Secretary Sonny Angara instructed all regional offices, schools division offices, and basic education institutions to intensify protocols aimed at preventing violence, bullying, and other threats to learner safety.

"This memorandum is issued to ensure the heightened vigilance and preparedness of all schools in the face of emerging threats," the memo read, reaffirming DepEd's commitment to providing safe and protective learning spaces for students, teachers, and school personnel.

DepEd child protection and anti-violence policies

The directive cites DepEd Order No. 40, s. 2012, or the Child Protection Policy, which prohibits acts of violence, abuse, and exploitation, as well as the possession of prohibited items such as deadly weapons, illegal drugs, alcohol, toxic substances, and pornographic materials on school premises.

Angara also referenced DepEd Order No. 007, s. 2024, or the Policy Guidelines on the Implementation of the Revised School-Based Management System, which emphasizes the shared responsibility of the school community in ensuring safe, inclusive, resilient, and learnercentered environments.

Mandatory school safety measures for all public schools

Under the new guidelines, schools must strictly enforce the following:

Security inspections of bags and belongings at entry points, increased visibility of guards, and controlled access to school grounds. Total prohibition of firearms and other banned items within the campus.