Education office clarifies role in Jam Step

Monday, February 13, 2012

DEPARTMENT of Education Secretary Armin Luistro said the central office neither issued nor endorsed any memorandum, circular or order requiring students to participate in the February 12 activity dubbed as “Jam Step.”

“I understand the confusion and concern this activity has brought about and appreciate your initiative in communicating with us to address these concerns,” he said in his letter to the City Council.

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Luistro stressed that DepEd welcomes all activities that are in line with its thrust of developing students who are not only academically competent but physically fit as well.

“The local divisions of the department have the authority to initiate extra-curricular activities toward this end, provided that such activities are consistent with the existing laws, policies and local customs and participation therein is purely voluntary on the part of the students,” he said.

According to the DepEd secretary, the activity is an initiative of the division office.

“Based on the information provided by Ms. Gemma Ledesma, School Division Superintendent of Bacolod City, participation of the students in Jam Step is purely voluntary and waivers from the parents of students who wish to voluntarily participate would be required,” Luistro said.

“Furthermore, I was assured that practice sessions for this activity merely consumed the time allotted for the usual exercise session every Monday after the flag-raising ceremony and therefore did not interrupt regular class hours,” he added.

Luistro’s letter was in response to the query of Bacolod Councilor Homer Bais regarding the Jam Step.