No DepEd ban on extracurricular activities, senators learn

DepEd logo / AFP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) has never banned extracurricular activities, senators learned on Monday.

During the Senate plenary session on the 2023 national budget, Senator Risa Hontiveros asked for an update on the supposed extracurricular activity ban.

“Some stakeholders found the ban counterproductive and that it restricts the space for holistic learning and development of the learners,” Hontiveros said as she asked for the development on the issue.

Senator Pia Cayetano, the sponsor of the DepEd budget, replied: “Provision No. 6 under Department Order No. 34 series of 2022 states co-curricular and extracurricular programs may be conducted throughout the school year.”

Cayetano stated that the conduct of co-curricular and extracurricular activities should be outside of school hours, should not affect students’ instructional time, and participation shall be voluntary.

Hontiveros clarified if there is no ban on extracurricular activities.

The budget sponsor answered: “Clearly… There are guidelines to be followed in extracurricular and co-curricular activities. It is a proposed list of activities, so it’s not exclusive. We can add to it.”

“They have never banned it. So let’s be clear about that. They never used the word ban so there is no ban,” Cayetano furthered.

Hontiveros then noted that life and social skills are formed through co-curricular and extracurricular activities.

Earlier, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers expressed reservations about the supposed removal of extracurricular activities.

READ: This ‘ban’ can lead to burnout, teachers warn

JPV