Malacañang on Wednesday assured the public that sufficient funding has been integrated into the proposed 2027 national budget to reinforce campus security measures in schools across the country.
During a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara committed to prioritizing security enhancement initiatives within school grounds.
“Ayon sa DBM, the proposed fiscal year 2027, or the proposed budget provides funding that schools may use for security requirements as part of their regular operations,” Castro said, citing the Department of Budget and Management.
“So maaasahan na mayroong ilalaan na pondo para sa mas pinaigting na seguridad sa ating mga kabataan lalung-lalo na sa mga eskuwelahan,” she added.
Castro clarified that for public basic education institutions, security allocations are embedded under Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) and regular operational programs, rather than listed as a standalone line item specifically for campus security.
Campus safety protocols face heightened public scrutiny following fatal shootings at schools in Tacloban City in June and at Ateneo de Zamboanga University in Zamboanga City, which claimed the lives of junior high school students.
In response, the Department of Education has tightened safety guidelines following instructions from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and conducted nationwide disaster and security drills to elevate emergency preparedness in academic institutions.