POLICY GUIDELINES ON AWARDS AND RECOGNITION In addition to acknowledging and promoting the development of the

FOR THE K TO 12 BASIC EDUCATION PROGRAM learners’ unique cognitive and other skills that underpin success in
school and at work, the awards also aim to nurture the formation of
I. Rationale
the learners’ values and attitudes anchored on the core values of the
The Policy Guidelines on Awards and Recognition for the K to 12 Department of Education.
Basic Education Program articulates the recognition given to learners
Awards and recognition bestowed on learners who have successfully
who have shown exemplary performance in specific areas of their
attained standards set by the school support the efforts and
school life. These guidelines are anchored in the Classroom
accomplishments of these learners and affirm their latent potential,
Assessment for the K to 12 Basic Education Program (DepEd Order
abilities, and dispositions. Learners who feel good about their abilities
No.8 s.2015), which supports learners’ holistic development in order
and contributions to the school and society are more likely to be
for them to become effective lifelong learners with 21st-century skills.
happy, content, and motivated. When these learners are recognized
This policy aims to give all learners equal opportunity to excel in
for their efforts, they will also persist in their desire to excel.
relation to the standard set by the curriculum and focus on their own
performance rather than to compete with one another. It recognizes The giving of awards and recognition is but one of the many ways by
that all students have their unique strengths that need to be identified, which teachers and schools provide students with positive feedback
strengthened, and publicly acknowledged. and affirmation, which can improve the learner’s confidence, self-
awareness, and enthusiasm for learning. Other ways by which
In support of the holistic development of Filipino learners, it is
teachers can provide learners with information about their competence
important to veer away from valuing only academic achievement
or the value of their accomplishments can be explored. A motivating
based on high grades and move toward valuing and celebrating a
environment that promotes respect for student diversity and dedication
wide range of student achievements. The awards aim to acknowledge
Page 2 of 15 to learning contributes to the creation of a positive school
and promote student excellence in various areas and to provide formal
climate that supports the well-being and achievement of all students.
recognition of student achievements that can motivate learners to
strive for excellence in academic, leadership, and social responsibility.
In effect, the policy encourages all learners to remarkably and skillfully
II. What awards do we give?
perform specific kinds of tasks critical to their success in school and at
work. Consequently, the policy will include all learners and encourage Classroom Awards are recognition given to learners in each class or
them to be proactive members of their school and community. section. A simple recognition may be given per quarter, semester, or

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at the end of the school year. Awardees are given merit by the adviser learner. Teachers can choose from the domains and skills listed in
and/or other subject teachers in recognition of the learners’ Appendix 1. They have the option to provide creative or unique titles
outstanding performance in class. for each award appropriate to their context and community (e.g., in
mother tongue).
Grade-level Awards are given to qualified learners for every grade
level at the end of the school year. Candidates for the awards are 2. Conduct Award
deliberated by the Awards Committee (AC) if they have met the given These awards are given to learners who have been observed to
criteria. consistently demonstrate the DepEd core values (Maka-Diyos,
Makatao, Makakalikasan, Makabansa).
Special Recognition is given by the school to the learners who have
represented and/or won in competitions at the district, division,
2.1. Character Traits for Kindergarten to Grade 3
regional, national, or international levels. This is to publicly affirm
learners who have brought honor to the school. These awards are given to younger learners to affirm their positive
traits and attitudes or to recognize significant improvement in their
behavior. Teachers can choose from, but are not limited to, the
A. Classroom Awards character traits listed in Appendix 2. They Page 3 of 15 also have the
option to provide creative or unique titles for each award appropriate
1. Performance Awards for Kindergarten to their context and community.

Learners in Kindergarten should be recognized for their most evident 2.2. Conduct Awards for Grades 4 to 12
and most prominent abilities. They can also be recognized for showing
Conduct Awards for grades 4 to 12 in each class will be given at the
significant improvement in a specific area (e.g., from having poor fine-
end of the school year. This will be based on the evaluation of the
motor skills to being able to draw or write well). Since kindergarten
adviser and subject teachers, using the guidelines stipulated in
learners have no numerical grades, teachers are advised to recognize
Section VI of DepEd Order No. 8, s. 2015. Awardees must have
outstanding achievement of learners based on the different domains
consistently and dutifully carried out the core values of the Department
and/or learning competencies of the kindergarten curriculum at the
as indicated in the report card. They must have obtained a rating of at
end of every quarter.
least 75% “Always Observed” (AO) at the end of the school year (with
Since all learners must be given equal opportunity to excel and at least 21 out of 28 AO rating in the report card). They also must
demonstrate their strengths, an award may be given to more than one have not been sanctioned with offenses punishable by suspension or

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higher sanction within the school year according to the Department’s B. Grade-level Awards
service manual and child protection policies.
1. Academic Excellence Award
3. Academic Excellence Award
At the end of the school year, the Academic Excellence Award is
The Award for Academic Excellence within the quarter is given to
given to learners from grades 1 to 12 who have attained a General
learners from grades 1 to 12 who have attained an average of at least
Average of at least 90 anda passing Final Grade in all learning
90 and passed all learning areas.
areas.
The Average Grade per Quarter is reported as a whole number
The General Average is reported as a whole number following
following DepEd Order No. 8, s. 2015.
DepEd Order No. 8, s. 2015.
Table 1. Academic Excellence Award
The class advisers will give to the AC the list of qualified learners
Academic Excellence Award Average Grade per Quarter to be awarded during a school ceremony. Refer to Table 2 for the
1. With Highest Honors/May 98–100 Academic Excellence Award at the end of the school year.
Pinakamataas na Karangalan
2. With High Honors/May Mataas 95–97 Table 2. Academic Excellence Award
na Karangalan
Academic Excellence Award Average Grade per Quarter
3. With Honors/May Karangalan 90–94
1. With Highest Honors/May 98–100
Pinakamataas na Karangalan
4. Recognition for Perfect Attendance 2. With High Honors/May Mataas 95–97
na Karangalan
This award is given at the end of every quarter to encourage learners 3. With Honors/May Karangalan 90–94
to attend and actively participate in class. Perfect attendance means
that a learner must be present in all of his/her classes, and must have
2. Leadership Award
no absences for the entire quarter. Learners who are representing the
school for various purposes (e.g., in-school or off campus activities) The leadership award is given to learners in grades 6, 10, and 12
may also qualify for this award. who have demonstrated exemplary skills in motivating others and
organizing projects that have significantly contributed to the

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 betterment of the school and/or community. This award is given Table 3. Criteria for Leadership Award
during the completion or graduation ceremony.
Criteria Weight
To qualify for this award, a learner must: Advisers Peers
1. Motivational Skills (40%)
1. Have no failing grades in any of the learning areas. a. Communicates effectively
2. Have not committed any offense punishable by suspension b. Shows initiative and responsibility
or higher sanction according to the Department’s service c. Engages group and/or club mates to 24% 16%
manual and child protection policies in the current school year. participate actively
d. Establishes collaborative relationships
3. Be a class officer or an active member/officer of any e. Resolves conflicts
recognized school club, team, or organization. 2. Planning and Organizational Skills
(40%)
a. Plans and designs relevant activities
Table 3 shows the set of criteria and weights that will be used by for the class, club and/or school
advisers and peers in the evaluation and deliberation process. b. Implements planned activities 24% 16%
Schools may opt to add more indicators based on the decision of the effectively and efficiently
AC. Candidates will be evaluated by at least 30% of their peers c. Monitors implementation of plans and
(group, team, class, or club mates) as well as their class or club tasks
advisers. Only those learners who have met at least 90% of the d. Manages and/or uses resources wisely
criteria on the next page shall be awarded. 3. Contribution to the School and/or
Community (20%)
Renders service and/or implements 12% 8%
activities relevant to the school population
and/or community
Total 60% 40%

3. Award for Outstanding Performance in Specific Disciplines

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These awards are given to recognize learners in grades 6, 10, and 12 The academic rating that will be considered for this award is the final
who have exhibited exemplary skills and achievement in specific grade in Music, Arts, or Contemporary Philippine Arts from the
disciplines. These disciplines are Athletics, Arts, Communication Arts, Regions for Senior High School (SHS).
Mathematics and Science, Social Sciences, and Technical-Vocational
3.3 Communication Arts
Education (Tech-Voc). These awards also value the learner’s
achievement in a specific discipline that has contributed to the school This award is given to learners who have demonstrated proficiency in
and/or community. Table 4 on page 7 specifies the criteria and any language (Filipino, English, or other foreign languages), in written
weights for these awards. or in oral communication, shown creativity in expressing ideas in
written or oral activities in various subjects, and contributed to the
There may be more than one category of awards under the following
school community.
disciplines: Athletics, Arts, Communication Arts, and Tech-Voc. There
will be no separate awards for special programs. The academic rating that will be considered for this award is the
student’s final grade in Filipino, English, or other foreign-language
subjects and related learning areas in Senior High School specific to
3.1 Athletics the award.
This award is given to learners who have shown outstanding skills in 3.4 Science
athletics (particularly in games and sports) through participation and
This award is given to learners who have high academic standing in
victories in competitions, as well as discipline in training and
Science, demonstrated passion for science expressed through an
sportsmanlike conduct and character.
excellent attitude toward science work, shown enthusiasm for science
The academic rating that will be considered for this award would be which positively influences other students in class and the wider
the student’s final grade in Physical Education. school community, and displayed inquisitiveness about the
environment, how things work, and how natural processes occur.
3.2 Arts (e.g., visual, media, music, or performing arts)
The academic rating that will be considered for this award is the
This award is given to learners who have consistently demonstrated
student’s final grade in Science for grades 6 and 10, or the average
outstanding skills in the arts and above average creativity and
rating for the two core Science subjects in SHS.
craftsmanship exemplified through contribution to school’s various
functions and events. 3.5 Mathematics

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This award is given to learners who have high academic standing in knowledge and skills in Tech-Voc to projects and activities that have
Mathematics, demonstrated passion for math expressed through an contributed to the school and/or community.
excellent attitude toward math work, and shown enthusiasm for math,
The academic rating that will be considered for this award is the
which positively impacts other students in class.
student’s final grade in Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) for
The academic rating that will be considered for this award is the grades 6 and 10, or the average rating for the specialized Tech-Voc
student’s final grade in Mathematics for grades 6 and 10, or the subjects in SHS specific to the award.
average rating for the core Mathematics subjects in SHS.
Table 4 specifies the criteria and weights that will be used in the
3.6 Social Sciences evaluation and deliberation process for the award for outstanding
performance in specific disciplines. This award shall be given to
This award is given to learners who have high academic standing in
learners who have met at least 90% (outstanding rating) of the criteria.
social sciences. They have consistently demonstrated the willingness
and ability to contribute to and participate in activities that serve the
common good. They have used their knowledge, skills, and
disposition in history, geography, economics, and other areas of the
social sciences to promote the common good and to achieve shared
Page 7 of 15 ends for others in the school and/or community above
and beyond their personal good.
The academic rating that will be considered for this award is the
student’s final grade in Araling Panlipunan for grades 6 and 10, or the
average rating for the core Social Science subjects Personal
Development/Pansariling Kaunlaran and Understanding Culture,
Society, and Politics) in SHS. Table 4.Criteria for awards for outstanding performance in
specific disciplines
3.7 Technical-Vocational Education
Criteria Weight
This award is given to learners who have consistently exhibited
1. Academic Rating 20%
exemplary skills and achievement in their area of specialization in
Final grade in the learning area or average of the final
technical-vocational (Tech-Voc) education. They have applied their

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 grades in subjects specifically related to the award have exemplified outstanding performance based on the terms of
2. Skill in the Discipline reference or engagement set by the school and evaluation of the
As shown through: direct supervisor and subject teacher. The awardee(s) must have
a. Output (oral or written work, projects, etc., if received high efficiency rating for their diligence and consistency in
applicable) 40% performing their duties and responsibilities throughout the immersion
b. Membership in a club/team (if applicable) program.
c. Class or school representation
Only those learners who have received an outstanding academic
d. Winnings and awards
3. Attitude toward the Discipline rating in the Work Immersion subject (at least 90%) shall be awarded.
a. Peer evaluation (if applicable) 20% This rating in the report card consists of the learner’s performance
b. Commendation from coach/adviser and/or output during the Work Immersion.
4. Contribution to the School related to the
Discipline
In any of the following: 5. Award for Research or Innovation
a. Tutorials/Coaching Award for Research or Innovation is specific to the SHS tracks. Grade
20%
b. Performance in school’s various functions and events 12 graduating students—individuals, pairs, or groups of not more than
c. Products four members—must have led the planning and execution of a
d. Projects research or innovation to advance the potential applications of
e. Volunteer work technology, or research whose findings can be used to drive better
Note: Peer evaluation is only applicable to disciplines that involve
efficiency and productivity as well as to improve the lives of the people
collaborative work. Candidates will be evaluated by at least 30% of their
in the school and/or community.
peers (group, team, class, or club mates) as well as their class or club
advisers. Tables 5 and 6 show the set of criteria and weights that will be used in
the evaluation and deliberation process for Award for Research or
Innovation, respectively. Only those learners who have received at
4. Award for Work Immersion least 90% of the criteria below shall be awarded.
Award for Work Immersion is specific to Senior High School (SHS) Table 5. Research criteria and weights
tracks. This award may be given to grade 12 graduating students who

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 Criteria Weight a. Clarity of the product development process
10%
1. Research Grade 20% and the innovative features shown during
2. Output presentation
a. Usefulness / Significance of Research b. Acceptability of the innovation to the target
Usefulness to the school and/or community or 35% 5%
beneficiaries
contribution of the research to the existing body of 3.Study or Research
information related to the study Research basis of the service or product 15%
b. Rigor
Soundness of methodology (research design, data 30%
6. Award for Club or Organization Achievement
collection, and data analysis)
3. Research Presentation This award is given to a duly recognized club or organization that has
15%
Presentation and defense of research output created positive impact on the school and/or community it serves
through the implementation of all its planned projects and activities,
Table 6. Innovation criteria and weights provided strong support to the implementation of the school activities
and attainment of the school’s objectives, and taken great strides to
Criteria Weight help its members develop their potentials.

1. Output Table 7 shows the set of criteria and weights that will be used in the
a. Originality or novelty of the product or service 15% evaluation and deliberation process for this award. Only those clubs or
b. Relevance, applicability, replicability, 25% organizations that have received at least 90% of the criteria below
sustainability and/or usefulness to the school shall be awarded.
and/or larger community
c. Cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and/or 20%
practicality
d. Environmentally safe 10% Table 7. Criteria and weights for awards for Club or Organization
Achievement
Criteria Weight
2. Delivery or Presentation Criteria Weight

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 1. Club/Organization Performance The actual certificates, medals, trophies and/or plaques received by
a. Plans and develops club/organization’s the learners from the various activities or competitions shall be used to
objectives, projects, and activities publicly affirm and acknowledge the contribution of the awardees in
b. Implements projects and activities, and delivers giving honor to the school. This will be done during a flag ceremony or
services based on the club/organization’s in a school-awarding ceremony.
50%
objectives and plans
In case external sponsors, partners, and donors opt to give awards,
c. Manages and/or uses resources wisely
they shall be regulated by the school, subject to compliance with the
d. Shows teamwork and collaboration among its
policy guidelines. These awards should be consistent with the
members
DepEd’s Vision, Mission, and Core Values, and must be named after
2. Exemplary Output
the trait, value, or achievement recognized, or an esteemed person
Delivers a concrete output related to the objectives 30%
who is deceased.
and purpose of the organization and the school
3. Contribution to the School or Community
Benefits the members of the club/organization and
20% III. What do awardees receive?
the greater majority of the school population and/or
community The grade-level awardees shall receive certificates, medals, and/or
plaques from the school, bearing the official seal of the Department
(DepEd Order No. 63, s.2011). Schools are required to follow the
specifications to ensure the quality of awards, certificates, and medals
C. Special Recognition and uphold the prestige of the awards.
Learners who have represented and/or won in competitions at the Certificates indicating the specific awards shall be given to all
district, division, regional, national, or international levels will be awardees. It is important to note that in the preparation of certificates,
recognized. These awardees have demonstrated their exemplary attention to proportion and detail is important. The date and venue of
performance in academics, athletics, and the arts, and/or represented the school ceremony should also be complete and accurate.
the school in DepEd-recognized activities.
Table 8 shows the medal specifications for each of the awards.
In addition to the above awards, the schools may give due recognition
to learners who have brought honor to the school. Table 8. Medal and plaque specifications

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 Award Technical Specifications Awards must have specific rubrics prepared or adapted by the AC at
1. Academic Excellence Award Gold Medal with DepEd seal the school level, based on the given qualifications and indicators.
a. With highest honors Diameter Size: 6cm
b. With high honors Silver Weight: 30g Ribbon
c. With honors Bronze width: 1 inch Ribbon IV. How do schools determine awardees?
color: depending on
An Awards Committee (AC) shall be organized by the school head or
region
2. Award for Leadership Gold Medal with DepEd seal principal in every school for each grade level at the beginning of the
Diameter Size: 6cm school year. For small schools, only one (1) AC shall be organized.
Weight: 30g Ribbon The committee must be composed of at least three (3) members from
width: 1 inch Ribbon the teaching staff, guidance counselor or designated teacher. The
color: gold total count of committee members should be an odd number. The
3. Award for Work Immersion Gold Medal with DepEd seal chairperson of the AC could be any of the teachers, department head,
4. Award for Gold Diameter Size: 5cm grade-level chairperson, or curriculum head.No member of the AC
Research/Innovation Weight: 25g Ribbon must be related within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity
5. Award for Outstanding Gold width: 1 inch Ribbon to any of the candidates for awards.
Performance in the specific color: depending on The AC shall:
learning areas region
6. Award for Club or Plaque for the club/organization 1. Establish the processes of and timelines in accepting nominations
Organization Achievement Certificate for each member with and determining qualifiers for grade level awards.
(members from different grade school logo
2. Formulate rubrics specific to the grade level awards.
levels)
3. Communicate to the school community, parents, and other
stakeholders the processes involved in giving awards.
To facilitate compliance with these guidelines, schools must
coordinate with external sponsors, donors, and partners regarding the 4. Verify the authenticity of documents submitted.
awards they wish to give the school.
5. Deliberate on the qualifications of the candidates for the awards
based on the rubrics and the documents submitted.

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6. Recommend to the school head or principal the result of evaluation STEP 5 Accept nominees for each award from the
for approval. Page 12 of 15 class/club advisers based on the minimum
requirements set by these guidelines. Those February
7. Communicate to the school community, parents, and other
that meet the requirements are endorsed to
stakeholders involved in the results of the evaluation.
the AC by the class/club adviser.
8. Recommend to the school head or principal the resolution on any STEP 6 Evaluate and deliberate candidates for each
related issue that may arise from the results of the awards. award based on the portfolio (report card,
certificates, documentation) submitted by
9. Ensure that guidelines stipulated in this policy are followed.
the learner against the rubrics set by the AC
STEP 7 Submit results of the evaluation and
deliberation to the school head or principal
Table 9 shows the activities for determining the awardees with for approval March
indicative timelines that need to be conducted by the AC. STEP 8 Ensure that the results of the evaluation and
Table 9. Steps for determining the awardees deliberation are communicated to the class
advisers, parents, nominees, and school
STEP PROCESS MONTH community; (in case of protest/s, the AC will
STEP 1 Establish the processes of and timelines in facilitate its timely resolution)
accepting nominations and in determining May to STEP 9 Announce or post the final list of awardees
qualifiers for specific awards consistent with June
the policy guidelines
STEP 2 Formulate rubrics specific to the grade-level July to The AC shall use the report cards and permanent records as the main
awards August reference for Academic Excellence Awards. For other awards, a
STEP 3 Seek approval from the school head or portfolio of copies of all documents such as DepEd Advisories, written
principal on processes, timelines, and August authorization from the school head or principal, certificates, medals,
rubrics trophies, plaques, accomplishment reports (verified through
STEP PROCESS MONTH certifications by proper authorities), and others shall be presented.
STEP 4 Communicate the approved processes,
The report on the results of the AC shall be signed by all members of
timelines, and rubrics to the school August
the committee and certified by the principal. The school head or
community

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principal shall approve the final list of awardees upon the Policy Guidelines on Classroom Assessment of the K to 12 Basic
recommendation of the committee. If the school head or Page 13 of Education Program, DepEd Order No. 8, s. 2015
15 principal is related within the second degree of consanguinity or
Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS) Service Manual
affinity to any of the candidates for awards, the school head or
2000
principal must inhibit him/herself from participating in the process. The
approval shall come from the person next in rank. DepEd Child Protection Policy, DepEd Order No. 40, s. 2012
The documents shall be kept in the office of the principal for ready Guidelines on the Selection of Honor Pupils and Students of Grades 1
reference. Copies of the results shall be submitted to the Schools to 10 of the K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum, DepEd Order 74,
District and Division Offices. s.2012
The AC, through the Office of the School Head/Principal, shall release Lehr, Camilla A. "Positive School Climate: Information for Educators."
the final list of awardees upon the request of stakeholders for In Helping Children at Home and School II: Handout for Families and
scholarship purposes. The AC, together with the school head, shall Educators, S4-75-4-78. 2nd ed. National Association of School
determine roles and assign tasks to the awardees (e.g., delivery of Psychologists, 2004.
graduation speech, batch history) for the graduation or school-
"Promoting a Positive School Climate: A Resource for Schools."
awarding ceremony.
Ontario Ministry of Education. 2013. Accessed 28 September 28,
2015. http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/parents/IntroDocEng.pdf.
V. When to file and settle protests? Chance, Paul. "The Rewards of Learning." Phi Delta Kappan 74, no. 3
(November 1992): 200-07.
Cases of protest shall be filed by the candidate with his/her
http://andrewvs.blogs.com/usu/files/the_rewards_of_learning.pdf
parent or guardian to the School Head within three (3) working days
from the announcement and shall be decided on by the school head
or principal, considering the recommendations of the AC within three
(3) working days from filing.

VI. References

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