Monthly safety drills in public schools will begin in November 2026, based on the new directive of the Department of Education (DepEd).

“Simula Nobyembre 2026, buwan-buwan nang magsasagawa ng mga safety drill sa lahat ng pampublikong paaralan na nakatutok sa iba’t ibang uri ng banta batay sa localized risk assessments,” the agency said

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara stated that drills aim to limit damage and to prevent cases of deaths 

“The purpose is really to limit the damage that can be done,” Angara said

The drill also aims to train students on how to respond in case a threat of violence happens in schools.

DepEd and DILG signed an agreement, expanding the roles of village watchmen

The DepEd and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) signed an agreement on Wednesday allowing village watchmen to guard school surroundings for additional layers of security in schools, especially for schools lacking security personnel.

“Yung role ng barangay, i-expand 'yung role ng mga barangay tanods para bantayan yung mga school,” Angara said

Secretary Angara also clarified that watchmen are not a replacement for the  Philippine National Police (PNP). Instead, they will serve as partners in guarding schools, while maintaining the prohibition on bringing weapons inside the campuses.