I love programming in PHP.  Fairly simple to learn, easy to code, plenty of tools available, and great community.  However, due to the language's inherent behaviour, PHP has many security pitfalls.  There isn't any one magic php bullet to proactively manage unexpected behavior.  That is why I propose the new PHP hammer.  One needs to push one's code to Production.  Then smash Production's machine with the PHP Hammer of Justice to work out any bugs.  

Seriously though; safe mode and suhosin will put you leagues above your competition.  Remember, you do not need to run faster than the bear.  You just need to run faster than your competition.  Well, until you become a trophy.