The Department of Education (DepEd) reports that public schools nationwide still lack key security measures, according to data presented during a Senate hearing on a bill seeking additional funding for campus safety. DepEd officials say only about four in 10 public schools have security cameras (CCTVs), while fewer than half have security guards. The figures come from a nationwide school safety and security audit conducted after the fatal shooting incident in Tacloban City last month, which raised concerns about preparedness and protection in schools. At the hearing, DepEd’s presentation was focused on current baseline conditions for school security and the gaps that remain across the country. The proposed legislation aims to address these deficiencies by allocating more resources for security-related needs such as surveillance equipment and guard deployment. The reported shortages highlight that many schools do not yet have standardized security staffing and monitoring systems, even as lawmakers consider measures intended to improve safety and reduce risks.