06/07/2026
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π©ππππ‘ πππ§π¬, ππΉπΌπ°πΌπ π¦ππΏ β Public schools in Vigan City are generally prepared to ensure the safety and security of learners, according to a Department of Education (DepEd) official who conducted an on-site security audit on Monday as part of the Department's nationwide assessment of school security.
The inspection was led by DepEd Undersecretary for Administration Atty. Mel John I. Verzosa, in compliance with the directive of Education Secretary Juan Edgardo 'Sonny' Angara to assess the security readiness of schools nationwide following the opening block of the school year.
Accompanied by Regional Director Estela P. Leon-CariΓ±o and Schools Division Officials, Verzosa visited selected schools in Vigan City to evaluate existing security protocols, emergency preparedness, access control systems, and other measures aimed at safeguarding learners, teachers, and school personnel.
Verzosa said the assessment showed that schools are largely compliant with existing security standards, although several improvements are still needed to further strengthen campus safety.
"Mandate ito ni Secretary Sonny Angara na magsagawa ng nationwide security audit sa lahat ng paaralan. Ready naman ang mga schools, sufficient naman. Meron lang kaunting room for improvement. May ilang paaralan na nangangailangan pa ng CCTV, may ibang schools na gusto pang magdagdag ng security personnel at magsagawa ng proper training para sa kanilang security. Pero para sa akin, overall, okay naman ang isinagawa nating security audit," Verzosa said.
Among the priority interventions identified during the inspection are the procurement of metal detectors, strengthening school access control by limiting entry points, and enhancing collaboration with local government units and barangay officials.
According to Verzosa, these measures can be implemented in the short term to further improve the security of schools.
"Sa short term, puwedeng i-address ang procurement ng metal detectors. Dapat magkaroon din ng sistema na iisa lang ang pangunahing entrance ng paaralan dahil may ibang schools na marami pa ring pwedeng pasukan. Mahalaga rin ang cooperation ng ating mga LGUs, lalo na ng mga barangay officials na nagsisilbing force multipliers. Sa tingin ko, ito ang mga maaaring agad na gawin para lalo pang mapalakas ang seguridad ng ating mga learners," he added.
The security audit is part of DepEd's broader initiative to proactively identify vulnerabilities in schools and recommend immediate and long-term interventions to create safer learning environments across the country.
DepEd Vigan City reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the recommendations from the assessment and strengthening partnerships with local government units, law enforcement agencies, and community stakeholders to ensure that every school remains a safe and secure place for learners.
