<p><strong>SCHOOL-LEVEL REVIEW.</strong> A teacher conducts her class in this undated photo. The Department of Education on Wednesday (June 24, 2026) ordered the school-level review of the existing safety guidelines and learner protection following the June 22 fatal shooting inside a Tacloban City school that left three students dead. <em>(Photo courtesy of DepEd)</em></p>
SCHOOL-LEVEL REVIEW. A teacher conducts her class in this undated photo. The Department of Education on Wednesday (June 24, 2026) ordered the school-level review of the existing safety guidelines and learner protection following the June 22 fatal shooting inside a Tacloban City school that left three students dead. (Photo courtesy of DepEd)

MANILA – The Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday ordered a school-level review of existing safety guidelines and learner protection measures following the fatal shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the incident, which left three students dead, highlights the need for timely support for young people facing challenges before they escalate into crises.

“The tragedy in Tacloban is a painful reminder that learner protection requires constant vigilance and shared commitment,” he said in a statement.

“While investigations will establish the facts surrounding this incident, we must also ask what more can be done to better support our learners and strengthen protective systems around them.”

The review will assess the implementation of the Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment (ESMLE) under DepEd Order No. 006, series of 2026, as well as existing learner protection mechanisms under the Child Protection Policy and anti-bullying measures.

It will also cover school-based mental health and psychosocial support programs.

Angara said these measures must be aligned with the protocols of relevant agencies, including the Philippine National Police, Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development and local government units.

“This is a conversation that must involve not only schools, but families, communities, local governments, and all institutions entrusted with the welfare of children,” he said.

The Education chief also emphasized the role of families and communities in learner protection, noting that many challenges affecting children emerge beyond school grounds and require coordinated interventions.

To strengthen support systems, DepEd continues to implement its Learner Support Framework, which includes parent engagement initiatives under the Kaagapay Program, the Learner Tele-Consultation and Contact Hub, peer support programs, guidance and counseling services, and an expanding network of Learner Support Centers nationwide.

Meanwhile, the Schools Division Office of Tacloban City has convened emergency security meetings with school officials and mobilized Psychological First Aid and psychosocial support services for affected learners, parents and school personnel.

Heavily affected schools, including San Jose Central School and Manlurip Elementary School, have shifted to education-in-emergencies modalities. Classes at San Jose National High School remain suspended until June 26.

DepEd said 57 public schools in the division have already resumed classes following temporary suspensions to allow emotional processing among students and staff. — Stephanie Sevillano (PNA)