14/07/2026
To: All Students, Parents, and Guardians
From: Hilabaan National High School Faculty and Staff
Date: July 14, 2026
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The faculty and staff of Hilabaan National High School have consistently discouraged, and continue to discourage, students from participating in any cultural, civic, or similar activities outside the school premises during official academic blocks/instructional hours.
Legal Basis and DepEd Policies
This directive is grounded on:
• DepEd Order No. 90, s. 1997: Strictly prohibits leaving school premises or engaging in non-academic activities during class hours.
• DepEd Order No. 6, s. 2026 and related issuances: Mandates that instructional time be devoted exclusively to curricular and DepEd authorized co curricular activities; external activities not officially approved by the school administration are not valid grounds for absence during class hours.
CLARIFICATION ON RIGHTS AND ACCOUNTABILITY
The school respects the free will and personal choices of students and their families, and does not intend to restrict lawful rights or freedoms. However, in compliance with DepEd mandates and to safeguard learners’ academic standing:
• Any participation in unapproved external activities during academic hours shall be recorded as unexcused absence.
• Students who incur such absences will be penalized in accordance with DepEd attendance guidelines, including:
- Loss of participation points and credit for missed assessments;
- Application of rules on excessive absences (20% threshold per grading period);
- Required intervention and consultation with parents/guardians.
Important Note
This policy applies only to activities not officially authorized by the school or DepEd. Officially sanctioned school representation, DepEd sponsored events, or activities approved through proper request procedures are exempted from this restriction.
