DepEd seeks dedicated 2027 budget for school safety

The Department of Education (DepEd) is seeking a dedicated budget line for school safety in the proposed 2027 national budget, saying a separate allocation is needed to address security gaps in public schools.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said DepEd is coordinating with lawmakers to establish a distinct line item for measures aimed at ensuring school safety and protecting learners.

The proposed funding would cover security guards, School Counselor Associates (SCAs), closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems, perimeter fences, and walk-through and handheld metal detectors.

“The safety of our students requires sustained and adequate investment. That is why in the proposed 2027 budget, we are focused on funding security, crisis preparedness, emergency response, personnel training and overall learner support as interconnected priorities,” Angara said.

DepEd said the proposed allocation would build on measures being implemented under its Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment (ESMLE) policy, or DepEd Order No. 6, s. 2026.

LGUs' Special Education Funds

Aside from the national budget, DepEd is urging local government units (LGUs) to use their Special Education Funds (SEF) to help address immediate school security needs.

“While we do our part through the national budget, we are also pushing for cooperation with LGUs that have SEF because the safety of our students is a shared responsibility of society,” Angara said.

DepEd said schools often use their existing Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) for basic requirements such as utilities, instructional materials and administrative expenses, leaving limited funds for security equipment and specialized personnel.

Angara said a dedicated line item could help ensure that schools have more consistent access to safety resources.

“At present, most schools rely only on MOOE. Since MOOE varies depending on the size of the school, their capacity to implement security measures is not equal,” he said.

“If this becomes a full line item, we can address the needs of every school more quickly and systematically,” he added.

Mental health support

DepEd said the proposed school safety funding would not be limited to physical security measures.

The department also wants to expand the deployment of School Counselor Associates, who could help identify behavioral red flags, bullying concerns and mental health difficulties among learners before these escalate.

The proposal comes after a nationwide school safety audit identified recurring security gaps and risks in basic education institutions.

DepEd said learner well-being and psychosocial support would complement physical security measures under its proposed P976-billion budget for fiscal year 2027.

The department said it would continue coordinating with Congress, LGUs, the Philippine National Police, other government agencies and civil society groups as the 2027 budget is deliberated.

The proposed dedicated school safety allocation is part of the government's broader school safety campaign, which DepEd said seeks a whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach to protecting learners.— MCG, GMA News