MANILA, Philippines — Following the launch of its active shooter drill, the Department of Education (DepEd) is set to expand mental health and reporting systems for students.
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara recognized that the drills should be complemented with mechanisms that ensure the mental well-being of students are also prioritized.
"We noticed that most of these perpetrators do not feel welcome in school. They feel neglected, which causes a devastating psychological effect. If we see new kids, we must welcome them,” Angara said in an interview, citing reports that school perpetrators feel shunned.
The agency expanded its National Learners TeleSafe Contact Center Helpline (LTCCH) to all regions, allowing learners to report their grievances without fear.
It also partnered with the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) helpline to ensure that access to mental health services are more accessible to the youth.
“It’s not enough that learners are familiar with the drill for their physical safety; we meed to ensure that their mental and emotional health is stable, and that they have access to guidance and helplines,” Angara said in Filipino.
