The Department of Education (DepEd) has launched a nationwide School Safety Campaign to strengthen campus security, intensify anti-bullying efforts, and improve learner protection following the fatal shooting incident at a public high school in Tacloban City on June 22.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the initiative aims to keep schools safe through stronger prevention, reporting, response, and intervention measures in coordination with schools, parents, local government units, law enforcement agencies, and community stakeholders.

Among the measures being implemented are the use of handheld metal detectors, stricter visitor management systems, regular bag inspections, expanded closed-circuit television (CCTV) coverage, additional security personnel, and safety audits to identify security vulnerabilities in school campuses.

DepEd is also reinforcing the implementation of the Anti-Bullying Act, child protection policies, and the Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment. School officials will undergo reorientation on proper reporting, investigation, referral, and response procedures for learner-related incidents.

To encourage early reporting, the department is establishing confidential reporting channels for cases involving bullying, violence, cyberbullying, and other protection concerns while consulting student leaders and parent-teacher associations to improve reporting mechanisms.

The agency is likewise introducing age-appropriate digital citizenship and online safety programs and expanding access to psychological first aid, counseling, and psychosocial support services for victims, perpetrators, and bystanders.

Angara said the department is moving with urgency to ensure schools remain safe learning environments and to prevent similar incidents from happening again.