DepEd Pushes Through With National School Safety Drill on Sept. 3

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Education (DepEd) will push through with the national simultaneous school safety drill for active threat scenarios on Sept. 3 to build “calm operational confidence,” noting fear-inducing elements will be strictly banned. “Our goal for September 3 is to build calm operational confidence and muscle memory through proper orientation, not fear,” said a DepEd official. This move by the DepEd highlights the increasing importance of school safety measures in the Philippines, especially in the face of potential active threat situations. The drill is designed to equip students and school personnel with the necessary skills and mindset to respond effectively and calmly during emergencies. The department's emphasis on avoiding fear-inducing elements suggests a pedagogical approach focused on empowering individuals with knowledge and practiced responses, rather than on creating anxiety. By building "muscle memory," the aim is to ensure that instinctive reactions during a crisis are appropriate and efficient, thereby minimizing potential harm. While the Philippines has not experienced major school-related security incidents like mass shootings, the global context and the need for preparedness have prompted the DepEd to implement such drills. The national simultaneous nature of the drill ensures a uniform approach to safety preparedness across the country's educational institutions. Proper orientation is considered key to the success of the drill. This includes educating participants about the scenarios they might encounter and the specific actions they need to take. The goal is to foster a sense of security through preparedness, enabling a more confident and composed response should a real threat emerge.