QuestionsQuestions (DEPED ORDER NO. 66, S. 2017)
DepEd Order No. 66, s. 2017 sets implementing guidelines for the conduct of co-curricular and extra-curricular off-campus activities in public and private elementary and secondary schools. It supports K to 12 curriculum implementation and aims to ensure relevance to curriculum competencies, child protection (no learner disadvantaged), and strict safety/security protocols.
It covers the implementation and management of co-curricular and extra-curricular off-campus activities in all public and private schools.
They must (1) ensure relevance and alignment with K to 12 competencies and learner leadership development; (2) uphold child protection principles and ensure no learner is disadvantaged; and (3) observe safety and security protocols for all participants before, during, and after the activity.
No. Off-campus activities shall not be used as a means to raise funds for the school or an association.
An off-campus activity is an authorized, learning-relevant activity outside school premises, participated in by learners and supervised by teachers and/or staff and other concerned stakeholders.
Educational Field Trip is a carefully planned trip to sites outside the classroom/school for firsthand learning tied to particular core competencies. Off-Campus Co-curricular Activity is authorized, voluntary, non-graded off-campus learner engagement anchored within curriculum competencies and coordinated by authorized learner/civic organizations. Off-Campus Extra-curricular Activity is voluntary, non-graded and not anchored on curriculum competencies, aimed at holistic development, offered/coordinated by school or authorized learners/civic organizations.
For at least one day: submit an Activity Proposal (Annex A) to the approving authority for review and approval. For less than one day: concerned teachers seek written approval of the school head.
The School Head reviews school-level activity proposals, ensures alignment with K to 12 key stage competencies, ensures compliance with the policy, endorses proposals to the Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) for approval, schedules catch-up sessions for missed learners, and submits activity reports to the SDO.
The Activity Head spearheads planning/preparation; facilitates parent/guardian conference and pre-departure orientation; ensures safety/protection and strict observance of procedures during planning and during the trip; conducts post-activity processing and prepares the activity report for submission to the School Head.
Among others: buddy system; accessible medical kit; emergency and evacuation procedures (aligned with School DRR Manual); promote healthy food choices; know learners’ medical conditions and require clearance if needed; secure emergency contact details; require each learner to prepare/wear a Learner Safety and Emergency Card at no cost; ensure traffic rules and convoy where needed; monitor weather and cancel if inclement weather is expected.
An agreement must be jointly signed specifying responsibilities/liabilities. Tour operators must be duly accredited by DOT and (if applicable) provide valid LTFRB certification on franchise. Transportation vehicles must be certified by DOTr/LTO, not more than 10 years old, with valid registration, insurance, driver’s professional license, and roadworthiness certificate. Service providers must submit the specific vehicles and assigned drivers at least five (5) days prior, and only pre-identified vehicles/drivers may be used. The provider must allow inspection of identified vehicles in the presence of the Activity Head.
There must be close supervision; learners must not wander off. Headcount is taken before leaving and upon arrival at every venue. Tracking of vehicles and learner/teacher passengers must be maintained and made transparent to parents/guardians. A specific waiting area is designated for returning learners, supervised by the teacher-in-charge until fetchers arrive. Participants must sign a manifest (Annex B) before leaving and upon return.
Participation is voluntary; no learner shall be required. Non-participating learners must not be given special projects or examinations or other school requirements. The School Head must ensure off-campus activities do not disrupt classes and provide equivalent lessons plus make-up classes so nothing is missed.
Yes. Securing travel insurance is mandatory for all off-campus activities, and no one shall be allowed to join off-campus activities without it.
Kindergarten up to Grade 3 learners must be accompanied by their parents/guardians during off-campus activities. For big groups, there should be at least two chaperones in a vehicle of not more than seating capacity, with one at the front of the line and another at the back.
The class adviser must conduct a culminating/processing activity and evaluation with learners (including feedback on what went well, wrong, improvements). Teachers involved must convene for post-activity evaluation; feedback is consolidated into the Activity Report (Annex D) submitted to the School Head for subsequent reporting to the SDO/RO, as the approving authority.
Any violation or abuse must be reported immediately to the concerned DepEd offices as articulated in the policy’s roles for reporting; such violations are dealt with accordingly (the Order emphasizes immediate reporting and administrative handling per DepEd procedures).
It states that DepEd Memorandum No. 47, s. 2017 (moratorium on educational field trips and other similar activities) shall be lifted upon the effectivity of DepEd Order No. 66, s. 2017; inconsistent issuances are rescinded or repealed.