No DepEd ban on extracurricular activities – Senator

The Department of Education (DepEd) has never declared a ban on extracurricular activities but provided guidelines for schools to follow, a senator said.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros asked for an update on the development of the supposed ban on extracurricular activities.

She said that some stakeholders found the “ban” not productive and limits the holistic learning of students.

“They have never banned it. So let’s be clear about that. They never used the word ban so there is no ban,” responded Sen. Pia Cayetano, the sponsor of DepEd’s budget.

“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 said.

Cayetano said that the provision mandates that extracurricular activities be held after school hours, without interfering with students’ learning time, and participation be optional.

“There are guidelines to be followed for extracurricular and co-curricular activities… It is a proposed list of activities, so it’s not exclusive. We can add to it,” she said.