YOUNG students from various schools all over the country cross pedestrian lanes. Guiding them with care are barangay tanods, steadfast and watchful. This simple act is a powerful reminder that school safety begins at the barangay level.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) praises barangay tanods for their vital role in ensuring safe environments around schools. They manage traffic, watch entry points, and offer visible support that reassures students, parents, and teachers. This is essential work that complements the efforts of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Education (DepEd).
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla has emphasized that true peace is measured not only by statistics but by the sense of safety felt in daily life. When children can cross the street to school without fear, governance is achieving its purpose.
Tanods serve under the supervision of Punong Barangays and work closely with police and school officials. Many have completed trainings conducted by the DILG and PNP to handle basic community safety duties. Some LGUs have also formally deputized tanods through barangay ordinances, giving them clearer authority during school hours.
Our barangay tanods are in schools to ensure the safety of students. They are in the streets to ensure the safety of the community. Their presence offers a sense of protection and comfort.
The DILG encourages local governments to continue investing in capacity building and recognition for tanods, equipping them with radios, vests, and standard trainings. The Department also supports the DepEd’s goal of ensuring safe learning environments through joint efforts between education and security agencies.
As the Marcos administration advances a whole-of-government vision for peace, education, and unity, the DILG stands firmly behind its barangay frontliners. Through the dedicated service of tanods, we build safer routes to school, stronger communities, and brighter futures for every learner.
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