CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (July 30, 2025) — The Department of Education (DepEd) in Northern Mindanao is integrating safety and disaster preparedness into classroom instruction and school systems as part of the agency’s observance of National Schools Safety Month 2025

Speaking at a “Talakayan sa PIA” session, Mell Heiston Genson, DepEd Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Coordinator, said school safety involves not only physical infrastructure but also the active participation of students in preparedness and response efforts.

He said the department is implementing the Comprehensive School Safety Framework (CSSF) in both public and private schools. The framework has three components: safe learning facilities, DRRM systems in schools, and integration of DRRM into the curriculum.

Genson said this approach prepares students to contribute during emergencies and to understand safety procedures beyond basic drills.

“Dili na kita ang nag-protect sa atong students, our students are also involved and informed about safety; kabalo sila unsay buhaton, unsa ilang ma-contribute,” Genson said.

(It’s no longer just us protecting our students. Our students are also involved and informed about safety; they know what to do and how they can contribute.)

The region continues to face hazards such as typhoons and landslides, but Genson reported no major incidents in the past two years. DepEd deploys engineers and architects through its Education Facilities Division to monitor and maintain structural safety in schools.

Genson also discussed the need for schools to address current social concerns, including the increase in HIV cases nationwide. He said students should be given appropriate education on these issues.

“The needs of our time kay magbag-o siya. Aside sa nagdaghan atong mga estudyante, the advent of technology also. I think what is important is we also enable our students to learn sa sakto nga avenues in terms of sex education,” he said.

(The needs of our time continue to change. Aside from the growing number of students, there’s also the advent of technology. I think what’s important is that we also enable our students to learn through the proper avenues when it comes to sex education.)

Genson added that DepEd has adopted positive discipline strategies to help create a safe environment for students.

He assured the public that schools are safe and emphasized that it is better for children to be inside school premises than outside. (Diseerie Jean Ecdang/PIA-10)