The Department of Education (DepEd) has delayed its Nationwide Simultaneous School Safety Drill for Active Attack Incidents, which was originally scheduled for Tuesday, August 25.
The postponement comes as Typhoon Saudel approaches the country, with forecasts indicating it could strengthen into a super typhoon before entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Monday, August 24.
Heavy rains and severe weather are expected to affect multiple regions, particularly across Luzon.
The safety drills were initially organized in response to recent security concerns following two separate fatal incidents involving students in Tacloban City in June and Zamboanga City last week.
DepEd announced that the simulation will now take place during the first week of September, giving local academic institutions more time to gear up.
“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,” the department stated.
Education officials stressed that the rescheduled exercises will remain age-appropriate and trauma-informed, centering on essential protective steps, emergency communication, administrative tracking, and post-incident recovery.
“Schools shall avoid hyper-realistic or graphic simulations that may cause unnecessary fear or distress,” the department noted.
Regional directors have been directed to immediately collaborate with key government partners, including the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), to refine safety protocols.
“Schools are likewise reminded to ensure the availability of Psychological First Aid and appropriate psychosocial support under their School Contingency Plans,” DepEd added.