Metro Manila, Philippines – A slew of school violence has prompted officials to conduct a nationwide simultaneous school safety drill for active attacks next week.
Scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 25, the Department of Education (DepEd) said the drill aims to strengthen preparedness and response to active shooting and other attacks through preventive planning, emergency response measures, and coordinated action.
The DepEd directed public and private schools to develop, review, or update their School Contingency Plan for Active Attack Incidents.
It said the plans – to be shared with the local government unit, the Philippine National Police and parent-teacher association – must identify preparedness and logistical measures, including classroom security mechanisms, the posting of information materials, family reunification areas, safe rooms, evacuation routes and emergency communication procedures.
The department said schools should activate their School Disaster Risk Reduction and Management teams and coordinate with stakeholders, namely, the police, army, Bureau of Fire Protection, and local disaster risk reduction and management offices.
