Manila: The Department of Education (DepEd) is set to request more permanent positions for security guards within public schools, following recent incidents of violence involving students. Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized the need to increase the number of plantilla items, or permanent positions, to enhance security measures across educational institutions.

According to Philippines News Agency, Angara highlighted the necessity for additional funds or positions specifically dedicated to security guards, stressing the importance of this initiative. During a safety inspection at Alfonso Casta±eda National High School in Nueva Vizcaya, he noted the current limitations within the public school system, which maintains a minimal security force due to a prior rationalization process implemented before his tenure.

Angara pointed out the stark disparity between the limited security manpower and the vast number of schools, with only about 200 security personnel available for approximately 48,000 schools nationwide. This shortage illustrates the urgent requirement for more plantilla positions to adequately safeguard the school environment.

Further, Angara acknowledged that numerous schools require more than one security guard, thereby exacerbating the inadequacy of the current plantilla items. He intends to submit a formal request for additional funding to the Department of Budget and Management to address this pressing concern.