The Department of the Interior and Local Government has ordered local government units across the country to establish Safer School Zones to strengthen the protection of students following recent incidents of violence involving learners.
The DILG said 277,744 barangay tanods nationwide will be mobilized to help secure areas around schools and protect students from crime, violence, traffic hazards, and other safety risks.
The directive is part of the Marcos administration’s whole-of-nation approach to public safety and child protection, bringing together LGUs, schools, law enforcement agencies, barangays, parents, and local communities.
“Schools must remain places of learning, not places of fear. Through Safer School Zones, local governments, barangays, schools, law enforcement agencies, parents, and communities will work together to better protect every learner,” the DILG said.
Under Memorandum Circular No. 2026-037, the DILG institutionalized Safer School Zones under the government’s Safer Cities and Safer Communities Initiative.
Governors, city and municipal mayors, punong barangays, the Philippine National Police, and other stakeholders were directed to strengthen safety and security measures around public and private schools.
LGUs were instructed to identify and address hazards and security risks within school zones, including unsafe roads, poor pedestrian facilities, speeding vehicles, fire and disaster risks, and other threats to learners.
Local governments were also encouraged to pass or enhance ordinances on traffic management, pedestrian safety, crime prevention, violence prevention, and public order in school areas.
Barangay tanods will serve as force multipliers by maintaining visible presence, conducting roving patrols, assisting in traffic management, providing immediate help, and reporting or referring incidents to proper authorities.
The DILG clarified that barangay tanod operations will be limited to areas outside school premises, unless school officials authorize their entry or immediate lawful assistance is required.
The department also emphasized that barangay tanods shall remain unarmed civilian community support personnel. Incidents requiring police, fire, medical, social welfare, or other specialized response must be immediately referred to the appropriate agencies.
Based on consolidated DILG data, the 277,744 barangay tanods will come from 42,010 barangays nationwide.
The DILG said the Safer School Zones initiative reflects the government’s commitment to keeping school communities secure, orderly, and conducive to learning through coordinated public safety measures.