27/08/2026
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βοΈ LEGAL BASIS
The Circular is anchored on Article II, Sections 5 and 13 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution and Republic Act No. 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991, particularly Sections 16, 387(b), 391(a)(16), and 393(d). It also aligns with DILG MC No. 2026-029, DILG MC No. 2024-086 on Barangay Tanods, and DILG MC No. 2025-072 on the deployment of Barangay Tanods in Department of Education schools.
The DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2026-037 provides practical guidance on the authorized roles, coordination arrangements, and operational boundaries of barangay tanods in school zones under the Safer Cities and Safer Communities Initiative.
π BACKGROUND
Schools should be peaceful, safe, and secure spaces for learners, teachers, parents, and the entire school community. Risks such as crime, traffic and pedestrian hazards, fire, stray animals, localized disaster risks, and other safety concerns can affect learnersβ safe access and movement.
The Circular provides clearer guidance on the authorized roles, coordination arrangements, and operational boundaries of Barangay Tanods in supporting peace and order and public safety in school zones.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
The initiative promotes a visible, organized, and lawful barangay presence in school zones through:
βοΈ Safe pedestrian and orderly movement assistance
βοΈ Observation and reporting of hazards and incidents
βοΈ Prompt referral to the proper authorities
βοΈ Coordination with schools and concerned agencies
βοΈ Support for safer routes and public spaces around schools
Most importantly, barangay tanods are unarmed civilian community support actors. They do not replace the functions of the PNP, BFP, health responders, social workers, school authorities, or other competent agencies.
π£ KEY REMINDER TO ALL:
-Municipal Mayors
-Punong Barangays
-Chief Tanods
-Barangay Tanods
-Sangguniang Barangay Members
-Sangguniang Kabataan
-DILG Field Offices
π€ SAFER SCHOOL ZONES REQUIRE EVERYONE'S PARTICIPATION.
SEE. REPORT. REFER. PROTECT.
Together, let us build SAFER SCHOOLS β’ SAFER ROUTES β’ SAFER COMMUNITIES for every learner, teacher, parent, and community member.