DepEd launches School Sports Clubs to boost health and activity

To promote holistic learner development, enhance physical fitness, and help reverse pandemic-driven learning loss, the Department of Education (DepEd) has ordered the institutionalization of School Sports Clubs (SSCs) in all public elementary and secondary schools nationwide.

- BY MERLINA HERNANDO-MALIPOT

In a statement issued on Saturday, Aug. 9, DepEd said the initiative aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s call for healthier and more active Filipinos.

"Kapag mas malusog ang katawan, mas malinaw ang isipan (When the body is healthier, the mind becomes clearer)," said Education Secretary Sonny Angara.

Angara explained that the move is part of DepEd's broader agenda to connect health with academic recovery, noting that active students are better equipped to learn and catch up on lessons they missed during the pandemic.

"Kapag mas aktibo ang mga bata, mas handa silang matuto at humabol sa anumang naiwang kaalaman noong pandemya (When children are more active, they're better prepared to learn and catch up on the knowledge they may have missed during the pandemic)," he added, emphasizing that sports instill discipline, teamwork, and resilience in students.

Inactivity among Filipino youth

According to DepEd, many Filipino children and adolescents fail to meet the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommendation of at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily.