Tacloban shooting: Student, school staff receive DepEd Heroes Award

MANILA, Philippines — The 15-year-old student who died shielding his classmates during the June 22 school shooting in Tacloban City was posthumously honored with the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Heroes Award, alongside school staff recognized for their bravery during the attack.

In a ceremony on Monday at the DepEd office, Chris Lorenz Fabian was recognized for sacrificing his life to protect his classmates.

Fabian, a Boy Scout, held the classroom door shut to prevent an assailant from entering, giving his classmates time to take cover before he sustained fatal injuries.

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READ: Tacloban declares school shooting victim Chris Fabian as ‘Young Hero’

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Education Secretary Sonny Angara commended Fabian’s selfless act, saying his courage showed that heroism is not determined by age.

While acknowledging that no award could erase the family’s grief, he said DepEd would ensure that Fabian’s sacrifice would be remembered.

“We need to make sure that all of our children feel seen, and that all members of the DepEd community feel seen as well,” said Angara.

Fabian’s mother, Erbea Fabian, accepted the award, saying, “He was a child with a very big heart and excellent character.”

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“This was proven not because he was my son, but because of what happened at his school on June 22. Even at a young age, he always put others before himself,” said the hero’s mother.

Angara likewise honored the San Jose National High School faculty and staff, represented by school head Dr. Liezl Pulga and Filipino reading coordinator Rosalyn Rosite, for their presence of mind, leadership, and coordinated response during the attack.

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“When I think of the journey that brought us here, I think of our teachers who continued to serve despite difficult circumstances, our non-teaching personnel who quietly kept everything moving, our parents and partners who stood beside us, and most especially, our learners who continued to show courage even during moments of fear and uncertainty,” Pulga said.

Pulga said the tragedy tested the school’s resilience while showing its unity, adding that the recognition strengthened its commitment to lead with courage, protect learners, and ensure a safe and supportive school environment.

“Before we push ahead with our learner initiatives, we must first make sure that our children are in the right condition and state of mind,” Angara said.

DepEd is implementing a nationwide, whole-of-government school safety campaign and strengthening security measures under the Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment.

Public schools are implementing measures such as handheld metal detectors, stricter visitor controls, regular bag inspections, increased deployment of security personnel, and active threat drills.

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Launched in August 2025, the DepEd Heroes program recognizes extraordinary acts of service, courage, and dedication among educators, learners, and personnel across the country. /mcm