DepEd rolls out active threat drills in public schools nationwide

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday launched pilot active threat simulation drills in public schools nationwide as part of efforts to strengthen campus security and emergency preparedness following recent incidents of school violence.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara led the initiative during the National Safe Schools Summit and Safety Drill at Manila Science High School, where students, teachers, school personnel, and local authorities participated in synchronized lockout, lockdown, and evacuation exercises.

The drills were supposedly designed to test schools' emergency response protocols and ensure a swift, organized response to potential active threats.

As part of the initiative, Angara directed all public schools to develop active threat response plans tailored to their specific environments rather than adopt a one-size-fits-all approach.

“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," he said.

"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,” Angara added.

He said the drills are intended to instill a culture of preparedness and ensure that schools are ready to respond to emergencies.

According to DepEd, the initiative supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to strengthen safety measures in schools following recent violent incidents on campuses.

During the simulation, students and teachers practiced lockdown procedures for scenarios in which evacuation was not possible.

Participants locked and barricaded classroom doors, turned off lights, silenced their mobile devices, and stayed out of sight until authorities declared the area secure.

They then proceeded to designated reunification areas after law enforcement had neutralized the simulated threat.

The summit also brought together representatives from national government agencies, local government units, civil society organizations, and private institutions to strengthen coordination on campus security.

Breakout sessions focused on school contingency planning, psychological first aid, learner protection, cyber safety, and the use of the Adopt-a-School Program and the Special Education Fund to finance security upgrades, including closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and other safety equipment.

The initiative is anchored on DepEd Order No. 006, s. 2026, which sets guidelines for ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment by harmonizing learner protection and school safety policies.

Angara also thanked partner agencies, including the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and local government units, for supporting school security through increased police visibility, emergency response systems, CCTV installations, and other safety initiatives.

“Mahalaga na handa tayo sa pagharap sa anumang banta. Dapat ay wala nang pamilyang muling magluluksa dahil sa trahedya sa paaralan.”

(It is important that we are prepared to face any threat. No family should have to grieve again because of a tragedy in school.)

The pilot drills form part of DepEd's broader effort to institutionalize a culture of preparedness and strengthen school safety in schools nationwide.— MCG, GMA News