Guidelines for Conducting In-Person School Activities: DepEd Order No. 003, s. 2023

The Department of Education (DepEd) is committed to delivering quality basic education in a safe learning environment for all learners. In this spirit, DepEd has issued DepEd Order No. 003, s. 2023 to provide guidance on the conduct of in-person school activities. Let’s delve into the key points outlined in this order:

1. Purpose and Scope

DepEd Order No. 003, s. 2023 aims to ensure the safe resumption and reintroduction of in-person school activities while adhering to public health standards, especially in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The guidelines apply to learners, personnel, parents, guardians, and other stakeholders.

2. What’s Allowed?

The following guidelines apply to curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular activities:

Curricular Activities

Curricular activities involving in-person gatherings are allowed during the academic quarter.
These activities facilitate seamless learning integration within and across different subjects.

Co-Curricular Activities

Co-curricular activities can take place after quarterly examinations to avoid disrupting regular classes.
These activities enhance students’ holistic development beyond the classroom.

Extra-Curricular Activities

While extra-curricular activities held during class hours remain strictly prohibited, in-person extra-curricular activities are allowed after class hours.
Schools must ensure compliance with these guidelines during all in-person activities.

3. Applicability

Public schools must strictly observe these guidelines.
Private schools, community learning centers, and state/local universities and colleges (SUCs/LUCs) may choose to adopt these provisions as a basis for their in-person activities.

4. Effective Date

This order takes effect upon posting on the DepEd website. It is also filed with the University of the Philippines Law Center (UP LC)-Office of the National Administrative Register (ONAR), UP Diliman, Quezon City.