Clarification on CAT implementation in HS

The order clarifies that the Citizenship Advancement Training (CAT) at the secondary level is restructured under DepEd Order No. 35, s. 2003.
The order corrects news reports claiming that Citizen Army Training is being retained in its old design.
CAT must be operationalized using the guidelines stipulated in DepEd Order No. 35, s. 2003 as the basis.
The order’s operative focus is the correct implementation of CAT in the fourth year high school level as covered by DepEd Order No. 35, s. 2003.

The subject previously identified as Citizen Army Training in the secondary education curriculum is clarified to be Citizenship Advancement Training under DepEd Order No. 35, s. 2003.
Implementing the CAT program must follow the guidelines in DepEd Order No. 35, s. 2003 for program operationalization.
The order directs that CAT restructuring controls the curriculum implementation referred to in public reports.

Exemption rules granting Scouts exemption from taking CAT continue to apply under earlier issuances.
DECS Order No. 106, s. 1998 continues to govern exemption of Scouts from CAT.
DECS Order No. 30, s. 1999 continues to govern Revised Rules on the Exemption of Girl Scouts from CAT.
These exemption issuances must still be observed in CAT implementation.

The order rescinds all other issuances or rules and regulations that are inconsistent with DepEd Order No. 54, s. 2003.
Inconsistent prior rules cannot govern CAT implementation where they conflict with the clarified restructuring and guidelines.

Immediate dissemination of DepEd Order No. 54, s. 2003 is directed.
Compliance with the order is directed without delay.
The order requires coordination through DepEd offices for information queries, identifying Office of the Secretary and Bureau of Secondary Education contact details.