Following recent school shooting incidents and erratic weather disturbances, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Thursday urged schools and parents to teach children how to use the Unified 911 Hotline, stressing the importance of knowing where to seek immediate help during critical situations.

Speaking during a simulation exercise at Carlos F. Gonzales High School in Maguinao, San Rafael, Bulacan, Remulla said the nationwide hotline is working and should be taught to students as a primary means of seeking immediate assistance.

“Sa nangyari sa Tacloban, within one minute tumawag ang teacher sa 911 at within four minutes, dumating ang BFP (Bureau of Fire Protection) on-site. It’s working. Turuan po natin ang ating mga kabataan na gumamit ng 911, nationwide na po iyan,” he explained.

Remulla also called on the education sector, stakeholders, and the public to trust and familiarize themselves with the systems and protocols established by the national government to protect citizens in times of crisis.

He emphasized that preparedness requires continuous learning, particularly as the country anticipates major disasters such as the “Big One.” He said the Nationwide Simultaneous School Safety Drill helps strengthen the preparedness and reaction time of students, teachers, and other school personnel.

“The process of learning never stops, and today is an example of that. Today we learn to prepare, today we learn to react. Today we learn that in cases of emergencies, alam natin kung ano ang mangyayari,” he said.

The DILG Chief likewise recognized the crucial role of teachers in implementing school safety measures, emphasizing that their ability to respond properly is vital to protecting the safety and well-being of children.

“I pay homage to the teachers. A lot is on your shoulders. The responsibility is on you to take care of the children.”

Remulla also urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the BFP to continuously strengthen their capabilities as first responders.

The DILG, meanwhile, reaffirmed its commitment to work closely with the Department of Education and other national government agencies to continuously strengthen school safety protocols and ensure greater protection for students, teachers, and school communities.