DepEd strengthens school safety with nationwide active-threat drill on August 25
Nationwide school active-threat drill set for August 25 to test emergency response and evacuation.
Public and private elementary and high schools nationwide are set to join a simultaneous active-threat drill on August 25, as the Department of Education (DepEd) strengthens preparedness for human-induced threats inside school premises.
Conducted with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the drill covers immediate threat response, evacuation procedures, and student-family reunification protocols.
Beyond Traditional Disaster Drills
Unlike standard earthquake drills that focus on “duck, cover, and hold,” the exercise specifically targets active human-induced threats, including active shooters.
The nationwide drill draws on lessons from recent campus shooting incidents in Tacloban City and Zamboanga City. Its protocols were initially tested at Manila Science High School.
DepEd Undersecretary Malcolm Garma said the agency seeks to institutionalize drills that improve schools’ preparation, readiness, and ability to respond immediately to ongoing threats.
“Isa pong bagay na natutunan namin at sana ma-institutionalize na po natin is really the need for the drills… Importante ‘yung preparation and readiness and awareness ng school to react, immediately to react kung meron hong ganitong ongoing threat,” Garma said.
The exercise includes a reunification stage where students, parents, medical responders, and police gather at designated areas following an incident. DepEd said clear and visible safety procedures can serve as practical guides during emergencies and as a potential deterrent to attackers.
Strengthening Emergency Coordination
The PNP deploys personnel nationwide to reinforce coordination among school administrators, local government units, and barangay officials during threat situations.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the exercise enhances coordination between police and school authorities in protecting learners and learning spaces.
“These drills will intensify coordination mechanisms among the police, school authorities, and barangay officials, especially when there are threat situations,” Nartatez said.
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said the agency is adopting a “bayanihan approach” involving collaboration with local governments, while also emphasizing prevention and recovery through trusted adults and proper support for learners.
The nationwide drill is scheduled for August 25, marking DepEd’s effort to strengthen school preparedness for active human-induced threats beyond traditional disaster-response exercises.
