The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) called on the local government units (LGUs) to provide village watchmen or barangay tanods with vital equipment and other resources to support their peace-keeping duties.

In investing in the barangay tanod’s capacity building, the DILG said that the LGUs should equip them not only with a baton, which >font-family: Gilroy; display: inline !important;>signals their authority and for self-defense, but also with radios, vests, and standard training to further enhance their capabilities as security personnel at the grassroots level.

With the opening of the 2025-2026 classes, the DILG recognized that the barangay tanods complement the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) in guiding the students with care, stressing that such simple act >>font-family: Gilroy; display: inline !important;>“is a powerful reminder that school safety begins at the barangay level.”

In acknowledgement, the DILG praised the barangay tanods for their vital role in ensuring safe environments around schools. 

“They manage traffic, watch entry points, and offer visible support that reassures students, parents and teachers,>>font-family: Gilroy; display: inline !important;>” the DILG noted.

DILG Secretary Juanito Victor Jonvic Remulla emphasized that true peace is measured not only by statistics but by the sense of safety felt in daily life. 

“When children can cross the street to school without fear, governance is achieving its purpose. Tanods serve under the supervision of Punong Barangays and work closely with police and school officials, Remulla stated.

Remulla added that many barangay tanods have completed training conducted by the DILG and PNP to handle basic community safety duties as some LGUs opted to formally deputize them through barangay ordinances, giving them clearer authority during school hours.

“Our barangay tanods are in schools to ensure the safety of students. They are in the streets to ensure the safety of the community. Their presence offers a sense of protection and comfort, Remulla pointed out.

The DILG also vowed its support to the DepEd’s goal of ensuring safe learning environments through joint efforts between education and security agencies.

“As the Marcos administration advances a whole-of-government vision for peace, education, and unity, the DILG stands firmly behind its barangay frontliners. Through the dedicated service of tanods, we build safer routes to school, stronger communities, and brighter futures for every learner, Remulla continued.