The Department of Education (DepEd) will push through with the national simultaneous school safety drill for active threat scenarios on Sept. 3 to build ‘calm operational confidence,’ noting fear-inducing elements will be strictly banned.
‘Our goal for September 3 is to build calm operational confidence and muscle memory through proper orientation, not fear,’ said Education Secretary Sonny Angara in a statement on Tuesday.
‘Preparedness saves lives, and trauma-informed execution protects our learners,’ Angara added.
The drills followed school shootings in Tacloban and Zamboanga City.
Earlier, the department postponed the Aug. 25 drill to provide ample time to align its simulation with the child-centered and trauma-informed standards of medical and mental health professionals.
Angara emphasized that school safety policies must treat physical security and mental health as inseparable priorities, with the drills now following health professionals’ suggestions.
‘Safety is not just about physical security; it is equally about protecting our children’s peace of mind,’ said Angara on Tuesday.
‘We are working closely with our medical experts and psychiatric societies to ensure our shared priority for the total well-being of our children remains at the center of our implementation,’ he added.
Under existing disaster risk reduction guidelines, DepEd reiterated that the drill will strictly ban all hyper-realistic or fear-inducing elements such as threat simulations, active aggressor role-players, weapons, and graphic elements.
The first active shooter simulation in July featured a mock role-play attacker using a plastic toy pistol.
During the nationwide drill, classes will practice a step-by-step walkthrough on securing entry points, practicing silent concealment away from windows and reviewing evacuation safety routes.
Police authorities are also strictly prohibited from displaying tactical disarming drills and aggressive uniform displays.
Police were urged to conduct external perimeter security, emergency notification systems, testing dispatch response times, and post-incident learner tracking.
Schools will also provide alternative activities to learners with special needs, disabilities or sensory sensitivities recommended by their parents and guardians.
‘Every kid has their own level of strength and understanding, that’s why we can’t conduct a one-size-fits-all approach to safety,’ Angara said.
After the simulation, guidance personnel and school health officers will also provide first aid and post-drill debriefing sessions to students. -With a report from Sheridan Delfino /