The Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines has established guidelines for awards and recognition in the K to 12 Basic Education Program. These guidelines are outlined in DepEd Order No. 36, s. 2016.
The policy is in line with the implementation of Republic Act No. 10533, also known as the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 (K to 12 Law). The awards and recognition have been designed to formally recognize the outstanding performance and achievement of learners in academics, leadership, and social responsibility, among other aspects of student progress and development.
The awards are given to encourage learners to strive for excellence and to become proactive members of the school and community. All learners, including transferees, who have met the standards, criteria, and guidelines set by this policy shall be recognized. There can be two or more recipients of any award.
For learners in the Special Education (SpEd) program who follow the K to 12 Curriculum, the same policy guidelines shall apply. Learners using a modified curriculum may receive recognition in the class based on their performance in meeting the standards of their curriculum.
Effective School Year 2016-2017, the Policy Guidelines on Awards and Recognition for the K to 12 Basic Education Program shall be implemented in public elementary and secondary schools. Private schools, higher education institutions (HEIs), technical-vocational institutions (TVIs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), and local universities and colleges (LUCs) offering basic education or any grade levels thereof, shall be responsible for promulgating their policy guidelines on awards and recognition for the K to 12 Basic Education Program, consistent with these policies and guidelines.
Any modifications in the guidelines should be subject to the approval of the DepEd Regional Office. These guidelines will remain in force and in effect for the duration of the program, unless sooner repealed, amended, or rescinded. All provisions in existing Orders and Memoranda which are inconsistent with this Order are rescinded.