DepEd will hold nationwide safety drills on September 3 to build calm confidence in schools. The drills are meant to prepare students and staff for active threat situations without using fear‑based methods.
The Department of Education said the program follows trauma‑informed and child‑centered rules. Hyper‑realistic simulations, weapons, aggressor role‑players, and graphic displays are not allowed. Police will only secure perimeters and test response coordination.
Students will practice simple steps like securing entry points, silent concealment, and evacuation routes. Learners with disabilities or sensory sensitivities will be given safe alternatives. After each drill, schools must conduct debriefings and provide psychological first aid.
The schedule was set after talks with psychiatric and pediatric groups. DepEd said the drills meet “Do No Harm” standards. Schools must give advance notice, secure parental consent, and check readiness before the activity. A distinct alarm will be used, separate from fire or earthquake drills.
Students needing extra support will be referred to local health facilities. Senator Sonny Angara said safety cannot be one‑size‑fits‑all, noting that every child has different levels of resilience.
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The Sept. 3 drills show a shift toward balancing physical security with mental health safeguards. DepEd said the program will continue to evolve with input from experts and agencies to keep schools safe without causing trauma.
