They say it takes a village to raise a child, and Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara wants a comprehensive and holistic approach in coming up with a strong support system for all learners following another case of gun attack that left two students dead.

Angara explained that while physical safeguards such as perimeter fences, CCTV cameras, metal detectors, and heightened police visibility are vital, they must be paired with active community engagement and strong emotional support systems within schools.

“Importante din iyon, pero importante din ang mag-reach out ang ating komunidad starting sa school communities (It is also important for the community to reach out, starting in school communities),” said Angara.

“Talagang makihalubilo tayo sa ating mga estudyante, kilalanin natin sila, kumustahin natin sila. Kasi ang silbi talaga ng eskwelahan hindi lang magturo, kung hindi parang pangalawang tahanan (Let's really mingle with our students, get to know them, and check up on them. Because the true purpose of school isn't just to teach, but to be like a second home),” he added.

Angara earlier noted that Ateneo de Zamboanga University where the recent gun attack involving a learner had conducted active-shooter drills in July.

But he stressed that schools must also monitor students’ well-being and address online grooming and extremist networks.

Angara underscored the need to scale up socio-emotional learning and mental health initiatives across all schools, as psychosocial support interventions are currently being delivered to affected individuals by the university.

He also emphasized that safe environments begin at home as he urged parents to stay closely attuned to their children’s well-being.

And to address security vulnerabilities, he said the Philippine National Police would step up police visibility around school perimeters while barangay security officers will be deployed to reinforce safety, especially in schools lacking security guards.

Angara’s position was backed by PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. who said that protecting students should not depend solely on physical security measures as police must also work closely with schools and communities to identify threats before they develop into violence.

“We agree that school safety is not only about guards, cameras, and other security measures. Police can support schools by strengthening coordination and helping identify threats or warning signs before they develop into violence,” Nartatez said.

Nartatez said parents and other members of the community have an important role in keeping children safe. He urged them to maintain open communication with young people and immediately alert authorities about threats or suspicious behavior.

“School safety is a shared responsibility. We encourage parents, teachers, students, and the community to stay vigilant, build stronger communication with our children, and immediately report threats or warning signs so that authorities can act before they lead to violence,” said Nartatez.