The Department of Education (DepEd) says school safety efforts must go beyond active shooter drills. In statements issued on Thursday, Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasizes that strengthening mental health services and improving learner reporting mechanisms are essential to address school violence. The remarks follow the first-ever active shooter drill conducted during the National Safe Schools Summit on Wednesday at Manila Science High School. DepEd says the drill highlights the need for preparedness but does not replace broader prevention measures. Angara notes that training students to respond physically to threats is not sufficient by itself to ensure protection. Instead, the department points to expanded mental health support and systems that allow students to report concerns or incidents. By pairing safety drills with early intervention and accessible reporting, DepEd aims to strengthen overall prevention and response in schools. Both sources frame the policy direction as a shift toward comprehensive safeguards, combining preparedness exercises with ongoing student support and communication channels.