DepEd institutionalizes school sports clubs
DepEd said the move aims to promote students' holistic development and physical fitness and to counteract "pandemic-driven learning loss."
'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,' said Education Secretary Sonny Angara.
(A healthier body leads to a clearer mind. When children are more active, they are more ready to learn and catch up on any knowledge they missed during the pandemic.)
'Hindi lang ito tungkol sa paglalaro. Ito ay tungkol sa disiplina, teamwork, at tibay ng loob. Mga katangiang dapat bitbit ng mag-aaral hanggang sa tunay na buhay,' he added.
(It's not just about playing. It's about discipline, teamwork, and courage—qualities that students should carry into real life.)
DepEd said the SSC program complements the Physical Education curriculum with its offering of two to three hours of supervised sports activities per week. This, as DepEd cited data showing that Filipino children and adolescents fail to achieve the World Health Organization's recommendation of at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous daily physical activity.
Sports clubs
According to DepEd, Arnis will be mandatory, while other sports will be offered based on student interest, available facilities, and resources.
Unified sports—where learners with and without disabilities are encouraged to play together— will be pushed to aim for inclusivity, strengthen friendships, and reduce bullying incidents.
Membership will be voluntary and inclusive, with provisions for learners with disabilities and those in the Alternative Learning System.
DepEd also said that existing sports clubs should also be aligned with the new policy, while schools without them are required to establish SSCs.
Angara said investing in school sports is 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 said.
(With every hour they spend playing and practicing, we also strengthen their concentration, memory, and ability to succeed in class.) –VAL, GMA Integrated News
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