DepEd deploys hybrid security model to plug public school guard shortages

MANILA — The Department of Education introduced a multi-layered security approach on Tuesday designed to strengthen protection in public schools while managing limited resources for dedicated security personnel. The hybrid model integrates trained security guards with village watchmen, regular police patrols, and enhanced surveillance infrastructure to create a more comprehensive campus safety net.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara presented the framework as a practical response to chronic shortages of security guards that have left many schools vulnerable. By distributing security responsibilities across multiple stakeholders, the DepEd aims to ensure adequate coverage without relying solely on permanent guard positions, which the department has struggled to maintain at full strength.

The security plan also emphasizes technological solutions, upgrading closed-circuit television systems and access control measures at school facilities. These improvements are intended to complement personnel-based security and provide administrators with better monitoring capabilities during school hours and after-hours operations.

The initiative represents the DepEd's effort to balance school safety with budgetary constraints, leveraging partnerships with local government units and police departments to distribute the security load among community resources.