LEGAZPI CITY, July 27 -- The Department of Education-Bicol (DepEd-5) is enhancing its Learner Rights and Protection (LRP) program with a new learner handbook, expanded security, simulation drills for active shooter and bomb threats, and more guidance counselors.

In a press conference on Monday, chief education supervisor Joan Lagata of the Education Support Services Division said DepEd adopted a "whole-of-society approach" that brings together parents, local government units (LGUs), and other stakeholders to ensure learner welfare and school safety.

She said the strengthened LRP framework combines prevention and response strategies, with measures aimed at stopping learner protection concerns before they occur, and response strategies fo...