Negros island: The Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday further advanced nationwide security boost and campus safety, reaching public schools even in the Negros Island Region (NIR). Education Secretary Sonny Angara visited public schools in the NIR to assess campus safety protocols and evaluate the implementation of DepEd programs following Tuesday morning's tragic shooting incident at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University.
According to Philippines News Agency, Angara visited Bais City National High School, the largest secondary school in the city, and Basay Central School, one of the oldest public elementary schools in Bayawan City. He also held dialogues with school administrators, teachers, and learner representatives.
In an interview, Angara stated that the agency is pushing a 'bayanihan approach' to fortify school safety, in collaboration with local government units and the private sector. "We are adopting a bayanihan approach where we all pitch in. Kasama na iyong (This includes our) collaboration with the local government," he said. Covered in this partnership are the procurement of closed-circuit television, metal detectors, and support for the hiring of security personnel.
Angara further mentioned that they are asking the tanods (village watchmen) to help with school rounds, especially during the start and end of school hours, to ensure increased visibility. The DepEd earlier secured commitments from law enforcement for more police visibility near public schools.
Besides physical safety, Angara emphasized the importance of stronger mental health programs to support the welfare of learners and prevent similar tragic school violence incidents. "Hindi lang physical security ang kailangan nating palakasin (It is not just physical security that we need to strengthen). Prevention and recovery also mean making sure that learners have trusted adults and proper support when they need help," he noted in a separate statement.
For 2027, the agency is seeking a budget boost to cover the hiring of additional security staff, security infrastructure, and the deployment of school counselor associates. The DepEd indicated that about 10,000 positions could be created by the Department of Budget and Management for School Counselor Associate I, following the recent issuance of Civil Service Commission Resolution 2600920.
The resolution allows for the hiring of additional counselors and school counselor associates within the basic education sector, with the approval of Qualification Standards for the positions of Schools Division Counselor, School Counselor I to IV, and School Counselor Associate I to V.
