Councilor Urges DepEd to Fund Security Guards
Davao City Councilor Luna Acosta, chair of the Peace and Public Safety Committee, urged the Department of Education (DepEd) on June 23, 2026, to provide funds for mandatory hiring of security guards in all public schools nationwide. This follows the June 22 shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, Leyte, which left three students dead and 20 others injured.
In her privilege speech at the Sangguniang Panlungsod, Acosta said the national government should redirect funds from political maneuvering to school security. "Schools are zones of peace and safety and should remain to be so. An increase in the budget of the schools for security purposes is an investment that the DepEd should prioritize above all," she stated.
Public Schools Face Budget Gaps
Acosta noted that while private schools are mandated to have adequate security, public schools face budget limitations. DepEd requires all schools to secure their premises but does not provide sufficient funding. To address the gap, public schools partner with the Philippine National Police (PNP), employ barangay tanods, and use Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) funds to hire guards. However, she said these measures are insufficient following the Tacloban shooting and a stabbing incident in Quezon City.
Acosta reported that seminars on security protocols and communication with safety offices have been conducted in schools. Councilor Cookie Bonguyan passed a resolution urgently requesting the PNP, through the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), to intensify police visibility and deploy tactical personnel around high-risk school zones during peak hours.
Proposed School Safety Ordinance
Acosta also passed a resolution urging DepEd to fund mandatory security guards and additional safety protocols. She moved for her privilege speech to be considered as first reading for the proposed School Safety Ordinance of Davao City. Councilor Petite Principe, chair of the Committee on Education, Science and Technology, noted that in June 2026, there were about nine reported incidents involving students. "Here in Davao City, student safety cannot be treated as an afterthought; we do not address it after a tragedy occurs. It requires a proactive whole of community approach, involving schools, families, local government, law enforcement, and health professionals," she said.
Councilor Diosdado Angelo Mahipus Jr. reiterated the need for safe zones, walkways, and sidewalks with proper lighting near schools. Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang proposed strengthening counseling programs, suggesting that the education support fund should cover mental and physical security, with additional city budget allocation if needed. Councilor Enzo Villafuerte urged DepEd and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to strengthen anti-bullying programs, noting that the Tacloban shooter was reportedly bullied.
DepEd-Davao City Strengthens Security
DepEd-Davao City announced on June 23, 2026, that it is strengthening security measures in all public schools, in line with directives from the national office and the PNP. "Through these measures, DepEd Davao City demonstrates its continuing commitment to ensuring a safe, orderly, and protected learning environment for every Dabawenyo student," the office said. Measures include strict enforcement of the "No ID, No Entry" policy, thorough bag inspections at gates, and proper logbook records for visitors. Schools will continue coordinating with agencies and local communities.
Parents and Guards Support Tighter Protocols
Parents and security personnel in Davao City expressed support for stricter measures. Rosita Bantayan, parent of a grade two pupil at Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Sr. Central Elementary School, said she personally accompanies her child and welcomes the stricter security. "That is very important, especially now that times are dangerous. Even young people are carrying guns and knives," she said. Herminda Merino, parent of a grade three pupil, said, "They are safe because the school is now strict. Parents cannot easily enter the campus. There are guards outside and security personnel inside." Mary Grace Luciano suggested adding more guards due to limited public school budgets.
Security guard Alnord Daud said only students and teachers are allowed unrestricted entry; outsiders and parents must present an ID gate pass. Romarch Sam-o Alipio of Sta. Ana National High School said daily bag inspections are conducted, and parents sign a logbook. James Calucoy of Davao City National High School said they immediately call police during emergencies. School personnel and parents agreed that strict enforcement maintains a safe learning environment.
