The San Jose National High School in Tacloban City reopened on July 6, 2026, following a shooting incident that occurred on June 22, leaving three students dead and 20 injured. Education Secretary Sonny Angara has confirmed that significant security upgrades were implemented to ensure a safer environment for returning students.
Enhanced Security Measures and Flexible Learning Options
Fulfilling President Bongbong Marcos’s directive, our immediate priority is to wrap our learners and teachers in a blanket of security and psychosocial care, recognizing that true learning cannot genuinely resume where fear remains.
Sonny Angara, Education Secretary
To support students affected by the trauma, the Department of Education (DepEd) is offering flexible learning options. Angara emphasized the importance of allowing students the necessary time and space to recover while maintaining their academic progress.
The school has undergone a thorough clean-up and repainting, with the classroom where the incident occurred repurposed as an office to avoid further emotional distress.
DepEd is also providing ongoing Psychological First Aid, counseling services, and confidential reporting channels in partnership with local authorities, aiming to create a supportive atmosphere for students.
On the reopening day, the Tacloban City government hosted a special program featuring guest performers to uplift the spirits of students and staff during this challenging time.
Angara has taken proactive steps in response to the shooting by visiting the victims' families and meeting with local officials to coordinate safety measures. He also initiated a nationwide School Safety Campaign, calling for audits to evaluate and enhance security across educational institutions.