By Charmaine Odong-Pangan
LOS BAÑOS, Laguna, Philippines — In the wake of recent school incidents and violent threats in some areas of the country, the Department of Education (DepEd) reaffirmed during the Calabarzon Expanded Regional Intelligence Committee (ERIC) meeting on July 2 its commitment to enforcing DepEd Order No. 6, series of 2026, or the Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment (ESMLE).
The ESMLE policy includes the strict regulation of gadget usage during class hours to help students stay focused on learning, while promoting the safe and responsible use of the internet and other digital devices.
“Sa ilalim ng policy na pinag-uusapan natin, ipinatutupad ‘yung bag inspection, sa ilalim nito mayroon ding visitor and vehicle inspection protocols, limitasyon sa paggamit ng gadgets habang may klase, angkop na sanctions sa mga paglabag, anti-bullying policy template, pagbibigay ng psychosocial support at mental health services,” Ramil Ginete, Project Development Officer IV of DepEd Calabarzon, shared during his presentation on the regional ERIC meeting.
DepEd Calabarzon Regional Director Carlito Rocafort said these measures complement the intensified police presence in schools by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the hiring of additional trained security personnel utilizing individual schools’ Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) funds to help ensure the safety of learners and the entire school community.
“As of now, there is a presence of our policemen in the vicinity of our schools. Nag-increase po ang pulis sa visibility. We have increased also the hiring of trained security personnel,” Rocafort said.
He added that DepEd Calabarzon is procuring additional handheld metal detectors for school security personnel, while various local government units have provided similar equipment and hired additional job order security personnel to enhance security around school perimeters.
“Yung mga LGU natin, nagbigay din sila ng mga job orders na mga security personnel at karamihan po sa mga LGU, sila po ‘yung nag-shoulder ng procurement, para po dito sa mga metal detectors po natin. And we have also a DepEd Order na puwede na pong i-check ang mga bag nu’ng atin pong mga bata, ito po ay initial approach po natin sa Department of Education,” the director further stated.
Rocafort emphasized the vital role of local governments in supporting the Department, noting that beyond providing financial assistance, LGUs also coordinate with barangay captains to mobilize force multipliers tasked with helping secure schools and ensure the safety of learners and teachers.
Meanwhile, to speed up coordination and facilitate a swift police response in the event of another active shooting incident, each school was ordered to establish coordination channels and group chats with its respective City Component Police Station or Municipal Police Station. (COP/PIA CALABARZON)
