The Department of Education in Central Visayas (DepEd 7) is strengthening school security measures and expanding learning support programs following a regional review of campus safety protocols, teacher training, and library services.
DepEd 7 Director Arturo B. Bayocot said the region recently convened its schools division superintendents after the June 22 shooting incident at a public school in Tacloban City, Eastern Visayas, prompting officials to reassess existing safety measures across Central Visayas.
“We discussed the provisions, we listened to the superintendents on their stories, on their scenarios, and we discussed everything,” Bayocot said.
He said DepEd 7 is working to strengthen coordination among schools, local government units (LGUs), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to improve police visibility and emergency response on campuses.
Some areas, he said, are considering the deployment of at least one police officer per school to help enhance security.
Bayocot added that barangay level coordination remains an important part of campus protection, allowing schools, local officials, and law enforcement units to respond more quickly to possible threats.
He said local governments have also supported the initiative, citing the Cebu Provincial Board’s approval of measures encouraging public and private schools to strengthen security and coordinate with police authorities for possible deployment.
The measures support Executive Order No. 35 issued by Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro on June 25, which established the Cebu Safe Schools Program.
Bayocot said the provincial government’s action was initiated independently and did not come from a request by DepEd.
Apart from security measures, Bayocot said DepEd 7 continues to invest in programs aimed at improving classroom instruction and access to learning resources.
He said teacher development remains a priority, with ongoing training programs focused on improving content knowledge and instructional strategies among educators.
The region is also continuing its distribution of learning resources, including textbooks, learning activity sheets, and equipment under DepEd’s computerization program.
For library services, Bayocot highlighted the region’s 26 library hubs across Cebu province, which serve as shared resource centers for schools that need additional learning materials.
Unlike individual school libraries, these hubs allow underserved schools to borrow and rotate resources to help address gaps in library access.
Bayocot said DepEd 7 will continue coordinating with schools and local partners to ensure that security protocols and learning support initiatives are consistently implemented across Central Visayas.
Photo from Philstar
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