DepEd postpones Aug. 25 active attack drills in public, private schools

The Department of Education announced Monday the postponement of the nationwide safety drill for active attack incidents in public and private elementary and secondary schools scheduled for August 25.

In a statement, DepEd said it will reschedule the activity to the first week of September 2026.

"In view of the prevailing inclement weather and the cancellation of face-to-face classes in several areas, the Department of Education (DepEd) is postponing the scheduled Nationwide Simultaneous School Safety Drill for Active Attack Incidents on August 25, 2026," it said.

It added that the additional time will allow the department to ensure that the activity is fully aligned with the recommendations of weather, disaster preparedness, child protection, and psychosocial support experts, particularly in ensuring that preparedness measures safeguard both the physical and psychological well-being of learners.

It further said that the rescheduled activity shall remain age-appropriate and trauma-informed, focusing on basic protective actions, communication, coordination, accountability, and recovery. Schools shall avoid hyper-realistic or graphic simulations that may cause unnecessary fear or distress.

The DepEd ordered all its regional directors to immediately coordinate with their respective counterparts in the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and other relevant agencies.

"Schools are likewise reminded to ensure the availability of Psychological First Aid and appropriate psychosocial support under their School Contingency Plans," it added.

Last week, the DepEd ordered public and private educational institutions to conduct a simultaneous safety drill.

On August 22, the Philippine Psychiatric Association (PPA) and the Philippine Society for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (PSCAP) called for the deferral of simulation activities.

They said that hyper‑realistic simulations do not improve safety outcomes and may cause lasting psychological harm to learners.

"Safer alternatives: such as tabletop exercises and trauma‑informed protocols — can build coordination without fear," they added.—AOL, GMA News