The Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday called on parent-teacher associations (PTAs) to serve as key partners in strengthening safety measures in public schools nationwide, amid recent reports of violence involving learners and school personnel.
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said schools cannot address safety concerns alone and stressed the importance of shared responsibility between educators, parents, and communities in protecting students.
“Schools cannot do this alone. Parents cannot do this alone,” Angara said.
“Pananagutan nating lahat ang kaligtasan ng ating mga anak at ang PTA ang isa sa pinakamahalagang tulay na nagdurugtong sa pamilya, paaralan at komunidad upang mapangalagaan ang bawat mag-aaral,” he added.
In a news release, DepEd said Angara underscored the need to maximize PTA general assemblies and regular meetings as platforms to strengthen communication between parents and teachers.
He said key discussions should include learners’ attendance and behavior, early identification of students needing additional support, and measures promoting positive discipline, anti-bullying initiatives, responsible digital citizenship, and mental health awareness.
Angara also emphasized the importance of proactive engagement between schools and parents.
“Our conversations with parents should not begin only when a problem has already occurred. The PTA gives us the opportunity to build trust, identify warning signs early, and work together before issues escalate,” he said.
He urged parents to closely monitor their children’s performance and attendance, particularly learners who may be at risk of dropping out, and to maintain regular communication with teachers.
“When parents and teachers communicate regularly, when schools work closely with local governments and community partners, and when learners know they have trusted adults they can turn to, we create an environment where problems are addressed early, and every child feels safe, supported, and valued,” Angara said.
DepEd also encouraged PTAs to expand their initiatives beyond meetings, including parenting seminars, values formation sessions, digital safety orientations, peer support activities, community dialogues, and partnerships with barangays, local government units, youth organizations, and health professionals.
Photo courtesy of Mayapyap National High School
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