SENATOR Pia Cayetano clarified that the Department of Education is not imposing any ban on extracurricular activities for students.

The lawmaker explained that DepEd only provided guidelines for schools to follow during extracurricular activities.

“They have never banned it. So let’s be clear about that. They never used the word ban so there is no ban,” Cayetano said.

“Provision No. 6 under Department Order No. 34 series of 2022 states co-curricular and extracurricular programs may be conducted throughout the school year,” she said.

The senator added that the provision mandates that extracurricular activities be held after school hours, without interfering with students’ learning time and that participation be optional.

Cayetano also listed proposed extracurricular activities which include student government programs, environmental education, comprehensive sexuality education, drug and substance abuse prevention, advocacy campaigns, and mental health programs, among others.

“There are guidelines to be followed for extracurricular and co-curricular activities… It is a proposed list of activities, so it’s not exclusive. We can add to it,” she said