Question & AnswerQ&A (DEPED ORDER NO. 66, S. 2017)
The main purpose of DepEd Order No. 66, s. 2017 is to establish the implementing guidelines on the conduct of co-curricular and extra-curricular off-campus activities for public and private schools, ensuring alignment with the K to 12 Curriculum, child protection, and safety protocols.
This policy covers co-curricular and extra-curricular off-campus activities in all public and private elementary and secondary schools.
An Off-Campus Co-curricular Activity is an authorized, voluntary, non-graded off-campus learner engagement anchored within the bounds of the standard curriculum and educational competencies, organized and coordinated by authorized learner or civic organizations.
They must: 1) Ensure relevance and alignment with the educational competencies of the K to 12 Curriculum and learner leadership development; 2) Uphold child protection principles with no learner discrimination; 3) Observe safety and security protocols before, during, and after the activity.
The Office of the Undersecretary for Planning and Field Operations and the Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction.
The School Head must: ensure proposed activities are part of the Annual Improvement Plan; review and endorse activity proposals for approval; ensure alignment with the K to 12 Curriculum; ensure compliance with procedures; schedule catch-up learning for absentees; resolve emerging issues; and submit reports to the Schools Division Office.
Transportation providers must ensure vehicles are DOTr/LTO certified and not more than 10 years old; vehicles must have valid registration, insurance coverage, a licensed driver, and roadworthiness certificates. They must submit a list of vehicles and drivers at least five days before the activity and conduct inspections with the activity head before the event.
No, off-campus activities shall not be used as a means to raise funds for the school or association.
No, participation in co-curricular and extra-curricular off-campus activities is voluntary, and no learner shall be compelled to participate.
Appropriate accommodations and/or modifications shall be provided to learners with special needs to ensure their full participation and safety during off-campus activities.
Securing travel insurance is mandatory for all off-campus activities. No learner shall be allowed to join without travel insurance.
Each learner must wear a Learner Safety and Emergency Card containing emergency contact details, teacher contact info, allergies or health conditions, and blood type.
Tour operators must be accredited by the Department of Tourism and have certification from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board. The itinerary and activities offered must be clear and strictly followed.
Any violation or abuse of this Order shall be immediately reported to the concerned DepEd offices and dealt with accordingly following their policies and procedures.
All teachers involved must conduct a post-activity evaluation and consolidate feedback from learners and faculty for inclusion in an Activity Report to be submitted to the school head and higher authorities.