ROLES OF STUDENTS AND

FACULTY IN PUBLIC SAFETY

AND ORDER
ATTY. RYAN PAUL N. OLFINDO
Attorney III/Legal Officer
Schools Division of Legazpi City
RELATED DEPED ISSUANCES
AND ORDERS:
DepEd Order No. 37, s. 2015
The Comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management (DRRM) in Basic Education Framework

The Department of Education (DepEd) issues the

enclosed Comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
(DRRM) in Basic Education Framework to guide DRRM efforts in the
basic education sector towards resilience-building in offices and schools,
and to ensure that quality education is continuously provided and
prioritized even during disasters and/or emergencies.
This Framework shall institutionalize DRRM structures, systems,
protocols and practices in DepEd offices and schools. Further, this shall
provide common understanding and language in the implementation of
DRRM in basic education at all levels.
 DepEd Memorandum No. 221 S. 2013
Guidelines on the Protection of Children during Armed Conflict.
 DepEd Order No. 72, s. 2012
Continuing Fire Safety and Awareness Program (FSAP) In
Schools

DepEd Order No. 13, s.2013

Reiterating the Observance of the Fire Prevention Month
Through the Continuing Fire Safety and Awareness Program
(FSAP)

Fire safety preparedness measures and facilitate the Fire Code

compliance of school thru a sustainable Program and Partnership
with the DILG and the BFP.
DepEd Order No. 72, s. 2012 Overview
In the light of the recent fire incidents in several public elementary and
high schools nationwide, and various reports from the Bureau of Fire
Protection (BFP) of violations to the Revised Fire Code of the Philippines
(RA No. 9514) committed by schools, the Department of Education
(DepEd) has felt an urgent need to conduct and implement
the Continuing Fire Safety and Awareness Program (FSAP) in
Schools to give priority attention to these concerns and be conscious
about fire safety.

The Program aims to promote awareness of fire safety and the importance
of prevention and preparedness among school officials, personnel and
staff, and pupils/students nationwide.
 The most common violations of schools as reported by the BFP are as follows:
a. Hazardous electrical wirings due to overusage, deterioration, and substandard
installations;
b. Lack of markings for emergency exits, and the blockage of these exits with unused
furniture, among others;
c. Absence of fire sprinklers, lack of fire fighting equipment/fire extinguishers, irregular
servicing or non-maintenance of existing fire extinguishers that do not comply with ISO
9001-2008 series certified as preferably required to ensure the use of quality and non-
ozone depleting products;
d. Inadequate provisions of outlets, which cause overload, particularly due to excessive
connection of equipment/appliances via octopus outlet and other inappropriate extension;
and
e. Non-organization of fire brigades and lack of preparedness for fire emergencies.

Schools are directed to adopt/observe the fire safety and prevention measures contained
in the enclosure. They shall coordinate closely with the LGUs and the BFP in the
implementation of the FSAP.

The School Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) may be utilized in the
implementation of this Program.
 DepEd Order No. 107, s. 2009
Participation of the CAT Students in the National Road
Safety Special Program

The Department of Education (DepED) is one of the agencies involved in the

implementation of the Philippine National Road Safety Action Plan.

To ensure road safety and welfare of the students, teachers and other members of the
school community, the Citizenship Advancement Training (CAT) students are hereby
enjoined to render community service combined with public safety and law enforcement
as part of the CAT Program components, particularly in providing assistance to the Local
Traffic Enforcers in order to guide and provide assistance to pedestrians and other road
users and ensure their safety when crossing the streets and/or following traffic rules and
regulations.
 As per DepED Order No. 50, s. 2005, the requirement of the CAT program
shall be completion of any or a combination of its three (3) program
components, namely: Military Orientation, Community Service and Public
Safety and Law Enforcement. It shall be completed for a period of thirty-
five (35) hours in a school year. The CAT Students therefore, are enjoined
to render at least, one hour per week during school days, either in the
morning when students rush to school or in the afternoon when the
students go home after school hours.

For program competencies, the CAT students are expected to know their
community problems and concerns and identify ways by which one can
serve the community with the assistance of the Local Government Unit
(LGU). The students may demonstrate commitment to the enforcement of
community/barangay or municipal ordinances.

The local school officials shall coordinate with the LGUs and
monitor/evaluate the community activities of the CAT students.
 DepEd Order No. 45, s. 2009
Institutionalization of Personal Safety Lessons (PSL) in
Both Elementary and Secondary Schools Nationwide
Consistent with Section 13, Article 11 of the Philippine Constitution as reiterated in
Section 32 of Republic Act No. 7610 otherwise known as An Act Providing for Stronger
Deterrence and Special Protection Against Child Abuse Exploitation and Discrimination,
this Department hereby mandates the institutionalization of the use of the Personal
Safety Lessons (PSL) in both elementary and secondary schools nationwide with the view
of creating a friendly environment at the school level.

Children are at a constant risk to the threats of a cruel and violent environment due to
their tender age and weak physical attributes. They are often the victims of abuse and
exploitation. It is incumbent upon the Department to provide the children with special
protection and ensure that they will grow up healthy individuals and eventually become
productive citizens that can contribute to the countrys development.
 The Personal Safety Lessons shall serve as the guiding principles for the childrens
personal safety and protective behavior. They also enhance their social skills, self-
esteem and the vital knowledge of their rights, as provided in the UN Convention
on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), codified within the context of the Filipino
culture.

The enclosed guidelines are hereby issued to serve as the primary and guiding
parameters in the implementation of PSL in all schools in the country.

The Regional Office shall monitor the PSL implementation and submit a
consolidated report to the Office of the Undersecretary for Programs and'
Projects not later than two months after the opening of every school year.

All previous Memoranda, Orders, Circulars and/or guidelines inconsistent with

this Order are deemed amended and superseded.
DepEd Order No 40 s. 2012

Child Protection Policy of the Department of

Education

Among the provisions provided in the said order is to refer the victim to
the partner agency like the PNP and DSWD in case the abuse constitute
serious harm to the victim. (i.e Sexual Abuse, Physical Abuse, Death)
DO 18, s. 2015 - DepEd Guidelines and Procedures on the
Management of Children-at-Risk (CAR) and Children in
Conflict with the Law (CICL)

Referral of Children with special needs to the DSWD or other NGOs

for counseling and other interventions,
School based interventions are being provided,
Referral to the PNP for serious offenses committed in school,
With these having been said, the Department of
Education thru the Schools Division Office of
Legazpi City reassure our partners that public
safety and order with regard to the internal affairs
of our schools are being strictly observed and
implemented based on the exisiting DepEd
Policies and Procedures.
In addition..
Best Practices regarding Public Safety and
Order in our Public Schools:
Our schools are provided with watchmen by the local government unit to
assist our school heads in implementing school policies with regard to
safety and order;
Our schools designates guidance counselors, drrmo coordinators (in case of
disaster), and safety officers to provide adequate mitigation, assistance and
supervision with regard to internal conflicts between students inside the
school premises;
Some of our Schools engaged the services of private security agency to
augment security staff within the school premises;
External partners such as the Barangay Council, Barangay Tanods and the
PNP are being requested to provide security services outside the school
premises within their respective territorial jurisdictions;
Immediate reporting of incidents to partner agencies if warranted under
the circumstances.
Thank you!