The Department of Interior and Local Government and the Department of Education have inked a deal aiming to strengthen coordination among schools, local government units, and emergency responders to ensure safer learning environments following incidents of school shootings.
In their statement, the two agencies said they signed a Joint Memorandum Circular to strengthen school safety for students and teachers across 42,000 barangays.
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla and DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara led the signing at Bangkal National High School in Makati City.
“Through the joint initiative, schools will have stronger coordination with barangays, LGUs, and emergency responders, helping ensure that learners can focus on their education and parents can send their children to school with greater peace of mind,” the statement read.
Following three recent school shooting incidents, Remulla stressed that ensuring the safety of learners and teachers requires a united effort amid growing parental concerns.
“Iba na ang mentalidad ng mga magulang, iba na rin ang mentalidad ng mga bata. Pumasok na po sa internet ang child grooming na tinuturuan ang ating kabataan para dalhin sa mga kadiliman na social sites. Doon natututo ang bata na mag-iba ang isip, mag-iba ang larangan, mag-iba ang kanilang adhikain,” he added.
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Under the agreement, schools may partner with LGUs for assistance during security incidents to protect individuals, secure affected areas, and refer cases to school authorities or law enforcement.
Barangay tanods may be deployed to public and private schools, academic institutions, and DepEd-supervised Community Learning Centers to reinforce security personnel and conduct authorized inspections of bags, personal belongings, and vehicles at designated school entrances.
When full-body scanners are unavailable, inspections must use authorized non-contact methods.
The DILG will provide technical assistance to LGUs, while DepEd will offer policy guidance and capacity-building support to schools division offices.
Remulla previously urged Congress to amend existing gun laws to hold firearm owners more accountable for proper gun storage, including allowing police to inspect homes. He also called on parents to closely monitor their children’s internet use to help prevent similar tragedies.
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