A single safety checklist now covers disaster readiness, child protection, health, mental health support and physical security in every public school
MAKATI CITY (November 4, 2026) – The Department of Education (DepEd) is rolling out a nationwide campus safety program called the Safe School Environment Audit (SSEA), which puts every safety measure in public schools under one checklist, the agency announced on Wednesday.
The SSEA replaces the separate, piecemeal safety programs that schools used to follow. It combines disaster risk reduction, child protection, health services, psychosocial support and physical security into a single safety profile for each campus.
“We cannot talk meaningfully about quality education if our children, teachers, and personnel do not feel secure inside and outside their classrooms,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.
“This audit isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s a tool to see where our schools stand across all safety domains so we can pour targeted support exactly where it’s needed,” he added.
Five areas schools will check
Under the framework, schools will rate their own readiness through direct observation, interviews and a review of documents. The audit covers five areas:
1. safety management;
2. a supportive environment;
3. safe facilities and school access;
4. emergency preparedness and response; and
5. recovery after a disaster.
Once a school finishes its self-assessment, higher DepEd offices will validate the results and use them to plan targeted help. The data will feed a national dashboard so the central office can see which schools need support and shape policy from there.
DepEd said learners stand to gain safer campuses that protect them from hazards and emotional distress, while teachers and staff get clear emergency protocols and mental health support. School heads will use the validated readiness reports to track their progress over time, and local governments, parents and community partners get a clear guide for pooling resources.
P8.18 billion more sought in 2027 budget
To keep the program going, DepEd is asking for an additional P8.18 billion for key campus security measures in the proposed 2027 national budget, which is now being scrutinized by the Senate.
The rollout comes alongside Angara’s school visits. During a recent inspection of Lakan Dula High School in Manila, he cited the campus as a model school for its security network and its close ties with the community.
“Security and well-being are shared responsibilities. We are working hand-in-hand with our local chief executives, parent-teacher associations, and community partners to ensure that our schools remain genuine sanctuaries of hope,” Angara said.
The new audit follows a string of school safety measures this year, including DepEd’s plan to prioritize schools with a history of violence in hiring 10,000 counselor associates.