Question & AnswerQ&A (DECS MEMORANDUM NO. 242, S. 2000)
The Special Sports Program is a four-year secondary level curriculum pilot tested in selected public secondary schools that offers specialization in athletics and sports integrated within the National Secondary Education Curriculum.
The sports offered are Athletics, Gymnastics, Swimming, Taekwondo, Badminton, Lawn Tennis, and Table Tennis.
Students must demonstrate potential/skills in more than one school sport, have remarkable sports competition performance, pass physical fitness/skill tests, possess a healthy attitude toward sports, submit Form 137 with grades not below 80, an original birth certificate (born between January 1, 1986, and January 1, 1989), a medical certificate by a government physician, and parental consent.
Students must have no failing grade, maintain a minimum grade of 85 in the Physical Education and Sports subject, must not have more than 20% absences, be physically and mentally fit, show good behavior, and consistent improvement in their sports specialization.
Evaluation is based 60% on performance (skill tests, progress charts, participation in activities), 15% on attitude (attendance, punctuality, responsibility), and 25% on written output (quizzes and tests).
Benefits include free athletic and school uniforms, free board and lodging, monthly training and competition allowances, cash awards for regional winners, and group insurance.
They must hold a Bachelor's degree majoring in PE or sports, have a satisfactory track record in sports participation, at least one year experience if without specialized training, satisfactory performance rating, good moral character, integrity, and commitment.
School principals implement the program's policies, organize faculty and personnel, recommend policy and budget improvements, supervise staff, engage NGOs and private sectors for support, and perform other assigned duties.
Expenses include P200,000 for repair and maintenance of sports facilities, P100,000 for equipment, P70,000 for training coaches, P50,000 for transportation during competitions, P30,000 for extra essential services to administrators, and P50,000 for rewards to winning coaches and athletes.
No, students in the Special Sports Program are exempted from taking Regional and Division Achievement tests.