Manila: The Department of Education-Bicol (DepEd-5) is enhancing its Learner Rights and Protection (LRP) program with a new learner handbook, expanded security, simulation drills for active shooter and bomb threats, and more guidance counselors. In a press conference on Monday, chief education supervisor Joan Lagata of the Education Support Services Division said DepEd adopted a 'whole-of-society approach' that brings together parents, local government units (LGUs), and other stakeholders to ensure learner welfare and school safety.
According to Philippines News Agency, the strengthened LRP framework combines prevention and response strategies, with measures aimed at stopping learner protection concerns before they occur, and response strategies focused on addressing and mitigating incidents after they happen. Lagata noted that the handbook will serve as the primary information, education, and communication material that schools will use in orienting learners on their rights, responsibilities, school safety, and learner protection policies. "The handbook will be distributed in both print and digital formats to ensure broader accessibility for learners," she said.
DepEd is also enhancing campus security by hiring security personnel using schools' maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE), implementing stricter visitor guidelines, and conducting random routine bag inspections for learners, school personnel, and visitors entering school premises. Schools are also directed to prohibit the use of mobile phones and other portable electronic devices during instructional hours, except for academic purposes and emergency situations.
Lagata emphasized the regional office's efforts to strengthen schools' preparedness for emerging threats, including active shooting incidents and bomb threats. "Our schools in Bicol have already been alerted to conduct orientations, and in coordination with the Philippine National Police and LGUs, they can already carry out simulation exercises," she stated. Six schools in the region have conducted simulations similar to those demonstrated during the national summit - Santa Cruz Elementary School, Sabang Elementary School, Villa Grande Elementary School, and Santa Cruz National High School in Naga City; Legazpi City High School in Albay; and Bula National High School in Camarines Sur.
Meanwhile, Lagata reported that bullying remains the region's most reported learner protection concern from January to July this year, with 34 recorded cases involving physical, social, verbal, gender-based, and cyberbullying. The second highest category involved 23 cases of children at risk, including learners who were victims of abuse and those found in possession of illegal drugs, followed by cases of sexual abuse. Despite the figures, Lagata mentioned that they reflect growing awareness among schools that learner protection cases must be properly documented, reported, and addressed through appropriate interventions.
Lagata concluded by highlighting the region's efforts to strengthen learner support services through the hiring of additional guidance counselors, with plans to add about 700 guidance counselors to the current 372.
