Excellence in education goes beyond grades—it reflects dedication, perseverance, and passion for learning. To honor students who exemplify these qualities, the Department of Education (DepEd) issued Order No. 036, s. 2016, which outlines the proper recognition of student achievements through certificates, medals, and plaques.

What Do Awardees Receive?

Grade-level awardees are given certificates, medals, and/or plaques by their schools, bearing the official DepEd seal. These awards serve as symbols of academic and extracurricular excellence and are carefully designed to uphold the prestige of each recognition.

Certificates are provided to all awardees and must be accurate, well-proportioned, and detailed. The date and venue of the ceremony should also be correctly indicated.

Types of Awards and Their Specifications

1. Academic Excellence Awards

Students who excel academically receive medals based on their level of distinction:

With Highest Honors – Gold Medal
With High Honors – Silver Medal
With Honors – Bronze Medal

Medal Specifications:

Medal with DepEd seal
Diameter: 6 cm
Weight: 30g
Ribbon Width: 1 inch
Ribbon Color: Varies by region

2. Special Awards

Beyond academics, students who demonstrate leadership, innovation, and excellence in various fields are recognized through the following:

Award for Leadership – Gold Medal
Award for Work Immersion – Gold Medal (with a smaller 5 cm diameter and 25g weight)
Award for Research/Innovation – Gold Medal
Award for Outstanding Performance in Specific Learning Areas – Gold Medal
Award for Club or Organization Achievement – Plaque for the organization and certificates for its members

Additional Medal Specifications:

The ribbon color for Leadership awards is gold.
The ribbon color for other awards depends on the region.

Ensuring Fair and Standardized Recognition

To maintain fairness and consistency, schools must coordinate with sponsors, donors, and partners when granting awards. Additionally, they must develop rubrics and criteria aligned with DepEd's qualifications and indicators to ensure that awards are given based on merit.

The Importance of Recognizing Excellence

These awards are more than just medals or certificates—they represent hard work, dedication, and perseverance. By following the guidelines set by DepEd Order No. 036, s. 2016, schools can ensure that students' efforts are properly acknowledged, inspiring them to continue striving for greatness.

Let’s continue celebrating student achievements and motivating future generations to reach their full potential! 🎖️✨