The Department of Education (DepEd) Mandaue City Division will continue coordinating with schools and local authorities for a planned safety drill on active attack incidents despite its postponement to September.
The simultaneous drill was initially scheduled for Aug. 25 but was deferred by the DepEd Central Office following the suspension of face-to-face classes in several areas due to inclement weather.
A new date has yet to be announced.
Mandaue City Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Dagatan said the postponement will not stop preparations, with school principals expected to coordinate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other concerned agencies.
“Starting this afternoon, in our agreement, the school principals will coordinate with the different PNP units and other agencies,” Dagatan said.
Schools will also coordinate with uniformed personnel and the city’s social and mental health services to develop contingency plans based on their respective circumstances.
Dagatan said the division will consider the physical, mental and emotional safety of learners in planning the activity.
“Dili pwede nga usa lang ka angle atong tan awon, daghan aron mahatagan og attention,” he said.
The preparations follow the DepEd Central Office’s directive for schools to coordinate with local counterparts and ensure that psychological first aid and psychosocial support are available during the activity.
DepEd also directed schools to avoid hyper-realistic simulations that could cause unnecessary distress among learners.
Parents will also be involved in discussions on their roles during an active attack incident. Dagatan said the Parents-Teachers Association assembly scheduled for Sept. 9 could provide an opportunity to discuss their participation.
Meanwhile, Mandaue City Government Executive Secretary Atty. Riczen Gingoyon said the city remains open to suggestions from schools, parents and professionals as preparations continue.
“If they have a suggestion, Mayor Ouano, he is for inclusive governance, mangayo sad ta og inputs pod,” Gingoyon said.
He said stakeholder feedback would be considered in determining how the drill will be conducted.
The division is awaiting further guidance from the DepEd Central Office on the rescheduled date while schools continue their coordination and planning.
Photo courtesy of PhilStar
Comments