DepEd rolls out tighter school security measures after safety audit in Parañaque school

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday outlined tighter security measures for public schools after Education Secretary Sonny Angara led a safety audit and dialogue with teachers, parents, students, and alumni at Parañaque National High School.

The inspection forms part of DepEd’s nationwide School Safety Campaign, which aims to strengthen campus security following recent incidents involving violence and safety concerns in schools.

During the visit, Angara inspected the school’s security protocols, including entrance screening procedures using handheld metal detectors, the guidance office, classrooms, and the campus’ closed-circuit television (CCTV) monitoring system.

The Education chief also met with parents, teachers, student leaders, and alumni to gather recommendations on improving learner protection and campus safety.

According to DepEd, participants expressed support for stronger measures to protect students while also calling for due process and support for teachers who are not involved in alleged incidents but have reportedly experienced harassment.

To strengthen school safety nationwide, DepEd said it is implementing a multi-layered security strategy that includes the deployment of handheld metal detectors, updated emergency response drills, and stronger confidential reporting mechanisms for bullying and violence.

The department said it is also coordinating with the Philippine National Police, local government units, and parent-teacher associations to improve responses to security incidents in schools.

“Ang kaligtasan ng ating mga mag-aaral ay responsibilidad nating lahat, kaya sama-sama tayong kikilos upang maging payapa at protektado ang bawat paaralan sa bansa,” Angara said.

(The safety of our learners is everyone’s responsibility. That is why we must work together to ensure every school in the country remains peaceful and protected.)

DepEd said affected learners are currently receiving psychosocial support and counseling from school guidance personnel.

The department also said administrative investigations involving allegations of misconduct against certain school personnel are ongoing.

The agency also assured the public that complaints are being handled with “urgency, impartiality, and strict confidentiality,” while urging individuals with relevant information to cooperate with investigators.

“Ang ating pakikipag-usap sa mga magulang, guro, student leaders at alumni association ay patunay na nagkakaisa tayo sa layuning protektahan ang ating mga mag-aaral at gabayan sila sa isang ligtas na kapaligiran,” Angara said.

(Our dialogue with parents, teachers, student leaders, and the alumni association shows that we are united in our goal of protecting our learners and guiding them in a safe environment.) — BAP, GMA News