To enhance school safety, the Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday highlighted “model” practices of Lakan Dula High School (LDHS) that other basic education schools may adopt.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara led the safety inspection of the “model school” in Tondo, Manila, as part of the agency’s effort to strengthen school security nationwide.

In an interview, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara commended the LDHS security and psychological support measures to protect learners in their area.

“May CCTV sila, metal detectors, may coordination sila sa police, tapos maganda ‘yung kanilang (they have coordination with the police, and they have a good) medical kit and first aid equipment,” he said.

These security and medical equipment have been procured in partnership with the parents and teachers association (PTA), alumni association and the local government unit, Angara added.

Besides collaboration with external partners, Angara also mentioned an online reporting system where learners can submit their personal complaints, bullying incidents and even psychological needs, among others.

“Hindi lang iyong security measures — para maging maganda ‘yung samahan nila dito sa eskwelahan, meron silang mga (Not just the security measures — for them to have a good relationship within the school, they have) dropbox and QR code,” Angara said.

He added that the online submission of reports allows learners and personnel to not fear and feel at ease in raising their concerns.

LDHS Principal Raffy Cabales said the QR code directs learners to the LDHS Cares online form where they can specify their complaints or issues.

“Halimbawa, ako po pakiramdam ko’y kailangan ko ng kausap or need help or na-bully ako– pwedeng i-access po ng bata iyon, makukuha po iyan ng guidance office o ng principal’s office and right there pwede namin siyang tawagan (For example, I feel that I need to someone to talk to, or I need help, or maybe I’m bullied– learners can access that, the guidance office or principal’s office will receive it, and right there and then we can reach out to them),” he said in a separate interview.

The dropbox also serves a similar intent for learners who can’t access the QR code.

Cabales, meanwhile, assured proper handling as they have trained teachers to administer psychological first aid to affected learners and personnel.

As part of the whole-of-community approach, volunteers from PTA also play a crucial part in maintaining safety and order at the LDHS.

In particular, PTA President Raquel Garcia highlighted how PTA volunteers are taking turns in rotational school safety rounds.

She, however, called for more support from law enforcement or police departments to ensure security.

“Kulang na kulang po ang security namin, kundi po humihingi po ng tulong sa mga magulang na kusang nagvo-volunteer po sa pagbabantay sa umaga, sa tanghali, lalo na sa gabi sa uwian (We lack security; instead, we are just asking for help from parents who are volunteering for morning, noon, and evening watch),” Garcia said.

To date, she said there are 30 PTA volunteers taking turns from the morning up to the evening shift for the entire school day week.

For DepEd, Angara said the agency is seeking additional funds to hire more security guards in public schools nationwide. (PNA)