Nationwide active-attack school drills postponed to September
The Philippine Department of Education has postponed a nationwide school safety drill for active-attack incidents following concerns from mental health experts. The agency plans to reschedule the event for September 2026 with a focus on trauma-informed, age-appropriate safety measures.
Why it matters
The decision highlights the ongoing debate regarding the psychological impact of hyper-realistic safety drills on students versus the need for emergency preparedness.
MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Education (DepEd) has postponed the Nationwide Simultaneous School Safety Drill for Active Attack Incidents originally scheduled for Tuesday, August 25.
In a statement on Monday, August 24, DepEd said the activity will be rescheduled to the first week of September 2026. However, the specific date has yet to be announced.
"The additional time will allow the Department to ensure that the activity is fully aligned with the recommendations of weather, disaster preparedness, child protection, and psychosocial support experts, particularly in ensuring that preparedness measures safeguard both the physical and psychological well-being of learners," DepEd said.
The agency said the rescheduled drill will be age-appropriate and trauma-informed, focusing on basic safety, communication and recovery while directing schools to avoid graphic or hyper-realistic simulations that could cause unnecessary fear among students.
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