The Department of Education (DepEd) will conduct a nationwide active-threat drill simultaneously on Tuesday, August 25, amid renewed concerns over school safety following recent school shooting incidents.
In a memorandum, DepEd directed its regional offices to identify schools where the simultaneous drill will be conducted.
“Schools are reminded that the conduct of the drill shall prioritize the safety and psychological well-being of learners, teaching and non-teaching personnel,” DepEd said.
It added that simulation activities should be “age-appropriate, trauma-informed, and focused on preparedness, protective actions, coordinated response, and post-incident recovery.”
Other public and private elementary and secondary schools nationwide are also encouraged to conduct similar drills, even on a different date, the agency said.
“Schools that have already conducted the drill prior to the prescribed date shall no longer be required to repeat the activity and may proceed with the submission of the necessary documentary requirements through the designated online submission form,“ it said.
The drill will test schools’ localized contingency plans and preparedness for active attack and other emergency incidents.
Schools have been instructed to identify safe rooms and evacuation routes, strengthen classroom security, establish family reunification areas, and coordinate with police, fire, disaster response officials, and other stakeholders.
DepEd also activated the School Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (SDRRM) teams in each campus to help oversee preparedness and response measures.
The nationwide drill comes after the August 18 shooting incident at Ateneo de Zamboanga University, which renewed calls for stronger security and emergency preparedness in schools.
