BENEFITS OF THE SPORTS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

The Department of Education (DepEd) has been reiterating Department Order or DO 25, s. 2015 which is the “Implementing Guidelines on the Special Program in Sports.”

The DO addresses the needs of talented students in the different sports disciplines in regular high schools, which have the capacity to implement and sustain the program in terms of trained teachers, facilities and equipment.

More importantly, the program combines sports, academic, and enrichment programs with the overall goal that participants who enter the program as vulnerable children graduate as resilient young adults. It also aims to build character in at risk and underprivileged youth to develop their decision making ability for healthy and successful life experiences. The program further develops leadership skills, and offer exposure to different educational and career paths.

The United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force on Sport for Development and Peace states that “well-designed sport-based initiatives are practical and cost-effective tools to achieve objectives in development and peace.” Research has demonstrated the direct role sport can play in advancing health and community development, advancing the rights of women, reducing anti-social behaviour, building community and national identity, achieving international recognition, fostering character development among citizens and contributing to economic development.

In addition to this, potential social development outcomes identified by stakeholders during consultations for the program were improved health of students, increased skill levels of youth, and reduced social problems.

--oOo— The author is Teacher III at Pampanga High School