FOLLOWING recent campus violence and unpredictable weather hazards, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla called on educational institutions and parents on Thursday to actively instruct students on utilizing the Unified 911 Hotline during life-threatening events.
Speaking during a comprehensive safety simulation at Carlos F. Gonzales High School in Maguinao, San Rafael, Bulacan, Secretary Remulla confirmed that the national hotline infrastructure is fully operational and ought to serve as every student’s primary line of defense.
“In Tacloban, a teacher dialed 911 within one minute, and Bureau of Fire Protection officers arrived on-site four minutes later. The system works. We must teach young citizens to use 911, as it covers the entire nation,” Remulla noted during his address.
Cabinet leadership urged school boards, community stakeholders, and local families to build trust in national crisis protocols while familiarizing themselves with established government response systems.
Remulla underscored that real emergency preparedness demands continuous training, especially as local authorities brace for large-scale disasters such as the anticipated “Big One” earthquake.
Simultaneous national school safety drills are designed to refine reaction speeds and procedural knowledge among faculty, administrative staff, and students.
“Learning never halts, and today serves as a prime example. We train to prepare and react properly, ensuring everyone understands what actions to take during crises,” Remulla stated.
Special recognition was directed toward educators, whose front-line leadership remains essential for safeguarding campus communities during unexpected disasters.
Remulla acknowledged the immense responsibility placed on teachers, while instructing both the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Fire Protection to consistently elevate operational capabilities as primary first responders.
DILG officials subsequently reaffirmed commitments to collaborate with the Department of Education alongside regional emergency agencies.
Combined efforts will focus on upgrading protective infrastructure, optimizing institutional response times, and maintaining secure environments for students across the Philippines.
