MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday posthumously honored a 15-year-old learner who died protecting his classmates during a June 22 shooting at San Jose National High School (SJNHS) in Tacloban City.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara conferred the DepEd Heroes Award on Grade 10 learner Chris Lorenz Fabian and the SJNHS faculty and staff during the launch of the second year of the DepEd Heroes program in Makati City.
Fabian held a classroom door shut when an assailant attempted to enter, giving his classmates time to take cover. He sustained fatal injuries during the incident.
Angara praised Fabian for putting his classmates' safety before his own, saying his actions showed that courage is not defined by age.
“If there is something we can learn from what happened, perhaps we should no longer allow the situation of our young people to reach the point where we have to come together as one DepEd community,” Angara said.
Fabian's mother, Erbea Fabian, accepted the award on his behalf alongside his grandmother, Aleth Fabian.
“He was a child with a very big heart and very good character,” Erbea said, recalling how her son put others before himself.
DepEd also recognized the SJNHS faculty and staff for their presence of mind, leadership and coordinated response during the shooting. The school was represented by School Head Dr. Liezl Pulga and Filipino Reading Coordinator Rosalyn Rosite.
Pulga said that the recognition belonged to the entire school community, including teachers, non-teaching personnel, parents, partners and learners who remained united during the crisis.
“When its people stand together, a school can overcome even the most difficult days,” Pulga said.
The recognition also underscored the need to strengthen learner protection and school safety, Angara said.
“Before we become persistent in pursuing our learner initiatives, we must first make sure that our children are in the proper condition and state of mind,” he said.
Angara said that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had directed that every teacher be assigned a learner whose well-being the teacher would regularly check.
DepEd said that it is implementing strengthened security measures under its Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment, including handheld metal detectors, visitor controls, regular bag inspections, security personnel deployment and active threat drills.
Launched in August 2025, the DepEd Heroes program recognizes acts of service, bravery and dedication by educators, learners and personnel nationwide.
