Cebu Governor Pamela "Pam" Baricuatro signed Executive Order No. 35, Series of 2026, on June 25, 2026, establishing the Cebu Safe Schools Program — a province-wide framework designed to promote school safety and prevent violence in educational institutions across Cebu Province.
The order was enacted at the Provincial Capitol and declares it the policy of the provincial government to promote safe, secure, inclusive, and resilient learning environments through a "whole-of-government and whole-of-community" approach to preventing school violence, protecting learners, and strengthening emergency response.
Constitutional and Legal Basis of the Order
According to the executive order, the program draws its legal authority from Section 13, Article II of the Philippine Constitution — which recognizes the role of youth in nation-building — and the general welfare clause under Section 16 of Republic Act No. 7160, or the Local Government Code.
The EO defines "threat or violence" broadly to include physical aggression, weapons possession, bullying, intimidation, harassment, or any act that endangers persons on school premises or during school-sanctioned activities. Under this definition, the order mandates that schools across Cebu must remain protected from all such forms of harm.
Cebu Safe Schools Committee Established Under Provincial School Board
At the center of the program is the newly created Cebu Safe Schools Committee (CSSC), which will operate under the Cebu Provincial School Board. Governor Baricuatro will chair the committee, with Provincial Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Senen Priscillo P. Paulin, CESO V, of the Department of Education designated as vice-chairperson.
The CSSC's membership, as specified in the executive order, includes the heads of the Provincial Welfare and Development Office, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and the Gender and Development Office. Also included are the provincial director of the Cebu Provincial Police Office, the chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Education, the presidents of the Sangguniang Kabataan Provincial Federation and the Provincial Federation of Parent-Teacher Associations, an elected representative of teachers' organizations, school superintendents of all component cities and municipalities of Cebu, and a private sector representative.
90-Day Deadline to Submit Province-Wide Safety Plan
The CSSC has been given 90 days from the effectivity of the order to prepare a Cebu Safe Schools Plan (CSSP). The executive order specifies that the plan must address school safety standards, risk assessment mechanisms, emergency preparedness programs, violence prevention strategies, and crisis communication protocols.
The plan must also include mental health and psychosocial support initiatives, capacity development programs, monitoring and evaluation indicators, and an accounting of funding requirements, according to the order's provisions.
Beyond the initial plan, the CSSC is also directed to formulate and periodically update a Provincial Safe Schools Framework and Action Plan, and to coordinate provincial efforts on school safety, violence prevention, emergency preparedness, child protection, and crisis management — in line with national laws and Department of Education issuances.
Standardized Security Protocols Required Across All Campuses
On physical security, the executive order calls for standardized protocols across all school campuses in Cebu. These include controlled access, visitor management systems, and regularly conducted emergency drills covering fire, earthquake, and lockdown scenarios.
Schools are also required to conduct annual safety assessments and implement targeted improvements based on findings. The order further mandates that campuses be equipped with necessary safety equipment, subject to available budget allocations.
Funding to Come From Provincial Appropriations and External Partners
The Cebu Safe Schools Program will be funded from available appropriations of the provincial government, subject to existing budgeting, accounting, and auditing rules, according to the executive order. The CSSC is also authorized to mobilize grants, donations, and technical assistance from national government agencies, development partners, and the private sector.
To ensure accountability, the CSSC is required to submit an annual report to the governor covering the program's implementation status, accomplishments, emerging issues, and recommended policy interventions.
All Provincial Offices and LGUs Directed to Comply
The executive order directs all offices, agencies, and local government units within Cebu Province to comply with its provisions and cooperate fully with the CSSC in carrying out the program's objectives.
The order took effect immediately upon publication and remains in force until amended or repealed by the governor.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of the Cebu Provincial Government