The Department of Education (DepEd) is seeking a separate budget line for school safety and learner protection to fund security guards, counselors, CCTV systems, perimeter fences and metal detectors in schools nationwide.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara said relying mainly on MOOE results in unequal security capabilities because funds are often used for utilities, supplies and other basic school needs.
DepEd also postponed its nationwide active school shooting drills after psychiatric groups warned that realistic simulations could cause psychological harm to students, with the drills now expected to be rescheduled for the first week of September.
Meanwhile, the DICT and major telecommunications companies are expanding efforts to block websites and platforms carrying violent content, school shooting footage and child abuse material.
The government is also working with digital platforms, including Roblox, and conducting cyber investigations to combat harmful online content and nihilistic violent extremism.
Source: PhilNews24 | August 25, 2026
