DepEd abolishes Term-End Recognition Programs in 2026 Policy Update
DepEd abolishes Term-End Recognition Programs in 2026 Policy Update
In a major policy shift aimed at reducing student stress and eliminating unhealthy academic rivalry, the Department of Education is moving away from conducting frequent term-end recognition programs.
This transformation is the centerpiece of DepEd Order No. 015, s. 2026, dated June 04, 2026. The newly issued policy dictates the "Revised Guidelines on Classroom Assessment, Grading System, and Awards and Recognition for the K to 12 Basic Education Program". By shifting the focus away from quarterly academic ceremonies, the Department aims to recalibrate recognition practices to ensure they are developmentally appropriate, aligned with curriculum intent, and supportive of intrinsic motivation.
According to the order, awards in basic education must now affirm learner growth, integrity, and sustained effort rather than short-term achievements.
Eliminating Early Labeling in Key Stage 1 (KS1)
The push to eradicate frequent academic ranking is most stringent in the foundational years of education.
- In KS1, no academic awards shall be conferred in line with the descriptive grading system.
- Learner progress shall be communicated entirely through descriptive assessments and narrative feedback.
- This approach is purposely designed to avoid early competition and labeling among young students.
- Instead of term-end academic medals, non-academic recognitions such as Character Traits Awards may be given to acknowledge effort, participation, positive behavior, and continuous improvement.
- During a transition period, schools that are still implementing the numerical grading system for Grades 2 and 3 may choose to give grade-level academic awards in accordance with these guidelines.
Updated Criteria for the Academic Excellence Award
For older students in Key Stages 2 to 4 (KS2 to KS4), the guidelines reinforce that recognition should affirm consistent performance and balanced achievement across the entire school year (SY).
- To qualify for the Academic Excellence Award, learners must obtain a General Average (GA) of 90 or higher, with no Final Grade (FG) below 80 in any learning area.
- Awardees shall be listed alphabetically to promote fairness and minimize competition.
- Crucially, students must have no derogatory records or disciplinary cases within the SY to receive this recognition.
- Publicizing exact academic ranks is also being restricted; schools may only issue a certification of actual academic rank upon a formal written request to support college applications or other academic requirements.
New Grade-Level and Specialized Awards
In addition to general academic excellence, schools will confer specific grade-level awards at the end of the year.
- Leadership Excellence Award: Granted to learner leaders or officers in KS2 to KS4 who demonstrate exemplary leadership qualities, provided they have no derogatory records or disciplinary cases within the SY.
- Excellence in a Specific Learning Area: Conferred on learners who obtain an FG of 90 or higher and the highest FG in the batch in a particular learning area.
- Grade 12 Specialized Excellence: Includes specialized awards for Excellence in Research; Excellence in Design and Innovation; and Excellence in Work Immersion, Field Exposure, and Arts Apprenticeship.
- Special Recognition Awards: Granted to learners who bring honor to the school through distinction in recognized competitions or exhibitions at the division, regional, national, or international levels.
Detailed guidelines outlining the criteria, processes, procedures, and grievance mechanisms for these awards are provided in Annex H to ensure fair, transparent, and consistent implementation.
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