via Veejay Monderondo, Pressroom PH
The Department of Education (DepEd) has ordered school sports clubs (SSCs) in all public elementary and secondary schools in the country as official clubs.
According to DepEd, the move aims to promote holistic development and physical fitness among students and to counter learning loss from the pandemic.
“Kapag mas malusog ang katawan, mas malinaw ang isipan. Kapag mas aktibo ang mga bata, mas handa silang matuto at humabol sa anumang naiwang kaalaman noong pandemya,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.
They also said that the SSC program complements the Physical Education curriculum as DepEd cited World Health Organization data showing Filipino children and adolescents failing to achieve the recommended 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activities everyday.
Angara added that investing in school sports is also investing in academic performance.
“Sa bawat oras na ginugugol nila sa laro at ensayo, pinapalakas din natin ang kanilang konsentrasyon, memorya, at kakayahang magtagumpay sa klase,” he stated.
Under the new order, Arnis will be a mandatory sport while other sports can be offered based on student interest and available facilities and resources.
Unified sports—sports where both abled and disabled students can participate together—will be pushed to promote inclusivity and reduce bullying incidents.
The membership will be voluntary with special provisions for students with disabilities and those studying under the Alternative Learning System.
Schools without SSCs will be required to create one while existing ones should align with the new policy.
Aside from sports clubs, school publications were also previously institutionalized by DepEd in 2021.
