Bomb threat prompts Silliman University evacuation

Silliman University evacuated its buildings and dormitories on July 6 after receiving a reported bomb threat involving the campus, activating safety and security protocols in coordination with campus security, the Philippine National Police, and the Philippine Coast Guard, which conducted a sweep of the area.

All gates were barred from entry as police secured the premises, while the Traffic Management Office closed the streets surrounding the campus.

Photos by Myke Catilogo

Silliman University confirmed receiving reports of the bomb threat in a statement released at around 7pm today, July 6, saying that appropriate safety and security protocols have been activated.

In a separate statement released later the same day, the university announced that instructors would be given the discretion to hold classes synchronously or asynchronously as security inspections of the campus premises continue.

Read the statements here:

Gov’t rolls out expanded school-based feeding program

The government has rolled out the nationwide expansion of the school-based feeding program (SBFP) in a bid to address hunger and child malnutrition.

“The revamped SBFP introduces universal feeding for all Kindergarten and Grade 1 public school learners,” the Department of Education (DepEd) explained of the program.

“This is complemented by targeted nutritional support for undernourished learners in Grades 2 through 6, ensuring that the most vulnerable learners receive the critical resources needed to thrive academically,” it added.

During the launch event on Wednesday, July 8, the DepEd signed a joint administrative order with the Department of Agriculture to provide locally sourced milk to learners for the school-based feeding program.

Photos from the Department of Education

Bam Aquino: School safety bill eyed to be passed in 2 months

The proposed School Safety Act will be a priority of the Senate committee on basic education, eyed to be passed within two months, Senator Bam Aquino says on Thursday, July 9.

Aquino, the panel chairperson, says the bill will be comprehensive, which will address security measures, psychosocial services, and coordination between authorities.

Less than half of PH schools have CCTV cameras, security guards – DepEd

Nearly 4 out of 10 schools in the country have already installed CCTV cameras, while 3 out of 10 schools have security guards, the Department of Education (DepEd) reported on Thursday, July 9.

During a Senate committee hearing, the DepEd also said it wants to strengthen CCTV monitoring in schools.

The DepEd recently conducted a nationwide school safety and security audit following the fatal school shooting in Tacloban City. @here

DepEd shares updates on the San Jose National High School in Tacloban City following the June 22 shooting:

- School classes resumed on July 6, but not all Grade 7 and 8 students went to school
- Distance learning implemented for Grades 9 and 10 students amid ongoing room repairs
- 38 learners were assessed to be high-risk, or have a tendency to be at risk for a mental health crisis, needing long-term intervention plans

Nearly 170 LGUs signed deals with DepEd to build classrooms

There are currently 168 local government units that have signed supplemental memoranda of agreement with the Department of Education (DepEd) to build classrooms, the agency says on Friday, July 10.

The breakdown is 72 provinces, 73 cities, and 23 municipalities.

The DepEd says 130 LGUs are currently conducting pre-procurement activities for the construction of classrooms in 358 schools.

Three LGUs have advanced to the procurement award stage to build new classrooms in 22 schools.

The DepEd has around P65 billion to build over 24,000 classrooms this year.

A Grade 4 student from the Hugo Perez Elementary School-Annex in Trece Martires City, Cavite, died after a routine deworming activity, the Department of Education (DepEd) says.

The DepEd says the Grade 4 student was hospitalized after experiencing vomiting. The cause of death was linked to an infection that led to septic shock.

Several other students also felt unwell after the school conducted the routine deworming activity, which was in coordination with the city health office, the DepEd says.

Good morning @here ! We’re here at the Manila Science High School to observe the conduct of the first active shooter drill in schools. The Department of Education is holding today the National Safe Schools Summit and Safety Drill.

Police personnel are also assisting in the conduct of the active shooter drill.

Students of the Malabon National High School were sent home on Wednesday, July 15, amid an alleged threat against school safety, the Malabon City government says.

Police personnel are still inside and outside of school premises to secure safety in the area.

Photos by Malabon City government