Interim Guidelines on Student Government Elections for School Year 2021-2022 Under the New Normal

The Department of Education (DepEd) ensures effective student leadership for every learner to acquire lifelong learning skills for the 21st century amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, the Department issued DepEd Order No. 29, s. of 2021 otherwise known as School Calendar and Activities for School Year 2021-2022 indicating that school level elections will be conducted from 04 – 17 October 2021.

In its pursuit to continue bringing out the learners’ leadership potential and in inculcating in their hearts the passion for service with the appropriate guidance of their teachers and other school personnel, the Department issues the Interim Guidelines on Student Government and other School Organizations’ Elections for School Year 2021-2022 under the New Normal.

As DepEd promotes student leadership, it is imperative for schools to facilitate student government elections and other relevant practices that will meaningfully support learner development and respond to varied contexts at this time of the pandemic.

The interim guidelines are grounded on the principles of participatory democracy, responsible servant leadership, collaboration, unity, accountability, and efficiency in serving the student body. The SPG and SSG are committed to putting these values, principles, and ideals into action through academic, socio-civic, leadership programs and activities while carefully abiding by the safety protocols and health measures set by the authority.

In observance of the SG elections, it will follow these indicative schedules:

Suggested Dates	Activity
13-30 September 2021	Homeroom Class Organization Elections
04-17 October 2021	School-Based SG Elections
22-27 October 2021	Division/District SG Elections
29 October-09 November 2021	Regional Federation Elections
13 November 2021	National Federation Elections

This policy shall be implemented in all public elementary and secondary schools nationwide for School Year 2021-2022.

Private schools, technical and vocational institutions, and higher education institutions, including state and local universities and colleges offering K to 12 Basic Education Program are encouraged to implement these interim policy guidelines. Private schools and institutions are permitted to modify these policy guidelines according to their philosophy, vision, and mission, with the approval of their respective DepEd Regional Offices.

Student-led organizations such as Barkada Kontra Droga (BKD), Youth for Environment in Schools’ Organization (YES-O), and other clubs in schools may adopt the policy guidelines on school-based SG elections as a reference in conducting their organizational elections. Educational schools and institutions are allowed to contextualize the guidelines according to their mandates and ownership structure.

The Department of Education- Youth Formation Division (YFD), as the office-in-charge of the Student Government Program, is authorized to monitor the conduct of the elections, and formulate and implement other programs and activities to strengthen the pupil/ student governments in schools. All Regional and Division Youth Formation Coordinators are authorized to coordinate and monitor activities with regards to the conduct of SPG/SSG elections and the organization of the Division and Regional Federations of Supreme Student Governments.

All Regional Directors and School Division Superintendents are enjoined to support and monitor the implementation of the 2021-2022 Student Government Elections.

Expenses incurred in the conduct of the SY 2021-2022 Student Government Elections shall be charged to School Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) or other available funds subject to the usual accounting and auditing rules and regulations.

The interim guidelines are attached to this memorandum as Annex A.

For more information, questions, and concerns, please contact Adolf P. Aguilar, Chief of BLSS-YFD, through 0919-093-4914 or email at blss.yfd@deped.gov. ph.

Immediate and wide dissemination of this Memorandum is desired.

INTERIM GUIDELINES ON STUDENT GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2021-2022 UNDER THE NEW NORMAL

I. Rationale

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought drastic changes in different sectors of the country. In the education sector, it has shifted the traditional conduct of classes to a new normal set-up. It has introduced different learning modalities and strategies to learners and teachers to achieve essential curricular goals. In the field of student leadership, the Department of Education (DepEd) has been continuously proposing different measures to have student representation even amid the pandemic. Its efforts will bring concrete and effective leadership skills, knowledge, and attitudes to the youth of this generation.

As stated in DepEd Order No. 47, s. 2014, the Department recognizes the significant role and contributions of the Supreme Pupil Government (SPG) and Supreme Student Government (SSG) in public elementary and secondary schools. It is founded on the principles of participatory democracy, responsible servant -leadership, collaboration, unity, accountability, and efficiency in serving the student body. However, due to the threats posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the role of student leaders has been very limited.

Together with the opening of classes this school year 2021-2022, the Department issues the Interim Guidelines on the Conduct of Student Government Elections for School Year 2021 – 2022 under the New Normal.

II. Scope

This Interim Guidelines on the Conduct of SPG/SSG Elections for School Year 2021-2022 Under the New Normal will be implemented nationwide by public elementary and secondary schools for the said school year.

The following are the enclosures attached herewith for reference:

Enclosure 1	Homeroom Class Organization Elections (Manual)
Enclosure 2	Homeroom Class Organization Elections (Virtual)
Enclosure 3	Grade Level Elections
Enclosure 4	Appointment Guidelines
Enclosure 5	COMELEC Standard Election Code
Enclosure 6-8	Election Application Packet (EAP) and Election Procedures
Enclosure 9	Appointment Application Packet (AAP)
Enclosure 10-12	Appointment Application Evaluation Tool, Certificate of Appointment, and Oath of Appointment Form
Enclosure 13	Election Flow Chart

Other school-based organizations in both public elementary and secondary schools, private schools, technical and vocational institutions, and higher education institutions including state and local universities and colleges offering the K to 12 Basic Education Program are also encouraged to implement these interim election guidelines. Private schools and institutions are permitted to modify these policy guidelines according to their Philosophy, Vision, and Mission, with the approval of their respective DepEd Division and Regional Offices.

III. Definition of Terms

For purposes of this policy, the following terms are defined as follows:

IV. Policy Statement

The Department is committed to ensure that students are fully represented even during this time of COVID-19 pandemic while looking after the health and safety of all learners, teachers, and personnel. The schools must adopt the Interim Guidelines on the Conduct of SPG/SSG Elections for School Year 2021-2022 Under the New Normal to hone the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of the young leaders of this generation.

These Election Guidelines are grounded on the following principles:

a. The SPG/SSG is the highest student implementing body in the school.

b. The SPG/SSG is the forefront of the learners’ rights and welfare, and is the model of the learners’ excellence, and is grounded on good character and a deep sense of moral values.

c. The SPG/SSG has the power that emanates from the student body. It is an autonomous, unified, and the highest democratic representative of the student body.

d. The SPG/SSG is founded on the principles of good governance, participatory democracy, responsible servant-leadership, collaboration, unity, accountability, and efficiency in serving the learners.

e. The SPG/SSG is committed to adhere the core values of Maka-Diyos, Makatao, Makakalikasan, and Makabansa, its principles, and ideals into action through academic, socio-civic, and leadership PPAs.

V. Procedures

The pandemic poses challenges for schools in the conduct of student government elections, including limitations on organizing face-to-face student engagement and participation, and the need to account for different contexts in planning, implementing, and evaluating student led PPAs.

To address these challenges, individuals in line with SPG/SSG elections each have important roles and responsibilities:

a. COMELEC Chairperson

• shall uphold the mandate of the organization
• he or she shall put into practice the duties and responsibilities attached to the position as included in the Constitution and By-Laws of SPG and SSG in elementary and secondary schools
• he or she shall oversee the created additional activities of the COMELEC this school year related to the conduct of the elections, if these are approved by the School Head and by the Division Youth Formation Coordinator.

b. Elected SPG/SSG Officers

• shall undergo a parallel school – based training on the basic skills of leadership, roles, functions, and responsibilities of a leader.

c. Teacher-Advisers

• supervise the implementatio n of the said training, in cooperation with the previous SPG/SSG officers and adviser.

d. School Head

• upon the proposal of the members of the SPG/SSG Commission on Elections (COMELEC) with the recommendation of the SPG/SSG COMELEC Chairperson, the School Head may also issue additional guidelines on the SPG/SSG Standard Election Code consistent with the revised Constitution and By – Laws of the SPG and SSG in elementary and secondary schools, to ensure the fair and successful conduct of the elections.

e. SGOD Chief and Division Youth Formation Coordinators

• shall conduct the Division Federation of SPG and SSG Officers and shall submit to the Youth Formation Division (YFD) the result of the Division Federation Elections on the given date upon further notice

f. Regional ESSD Chief and Regional Youth Formation Coordinators

• shall conduct the election of the Regional Federation of SPG and SSG Officers and shall submit to YFD the result of the Regional Federation elections.

SPG/SSG ELECTION GUIDELINES FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2021 – 2022

SPG/SSG ELECTIONS SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

Activities Facilitated by the SPG/SSG COMELEC	Date
HOMEROOM CLASS ORGANIZATION ELECTIONS	September 13-30, 2021
SCHOOL-WIDE SPG/SSG ELECTIONS	October 4-17, 2021
Announcement of SPG/SSG Elections and Schedule of Activities
Filing and Evaluation of Election Application Packets
Consolidation and Printing of Election Paraphernalia
Announcement of the Final List of Candidates and Distribution of Election Paraphernalia
Election Proper
Proclamation of Winners
Selection and Approval of SPG/SSG Adviser
Oath Taking Ceremony
Consolidation of Election Documents
ELECTION OF DISTRICT FEDERATION OFFICERS	October 22-27, 2021
ELECTION OF DIVISION FEDERATION OFFICERS	October 22-27, 2021
ELECTION OF REGIONAL FEDERATION OFFICERS	October 29-November 9, 2021
ELECTION OF NATIONAL FEDERATION OFFICERS	November 13, 2021

SPG/SSG ELECTIONS (MANUAL)

I. Announcement of Elections

a. Coordination of SPG/SSG Comelec with Class Advisers

The SPG/SSG COMELEC shall announce the conduct of elections and schedule of activities amongst Class Advisers, informing that each elected president of the class will be the representatives and participants of this school year’s SPG/SSG elections.

b. Announcement of SPG/SSG Elections amongst Class Presidents

The Class Adviser shall announce the conduct of SPG/SSG elections and schedule of activities through the distribution of election notice to each Class

c. Distribution of Election Application Packet (EAP)

Together with the election notice, the Class Adviser shall distribute the EAP containing various forms which will be completed and accomplished by the candidates (learners who signify interest to run). It also includes the SPG/SSG Election Procedures which aims to guide learners on the actual casting of votes.

The Election Application Packet (Enclosure No. 6) is comprised of the following:

Certificate of Candidacy (Enclosure No. 6.1)

This signifies that the SPG/SSG candidate is announcing his or her candidacy for a specific position and puts his or her purest intention and understanding on the procedures of the elections.

Plan of Action (for SSG) (Enclosure No. 6.2)

This is a detailed plan of projects, programs, and activities (PPAs) with specific actions and timelines that the candidate plans to implement related to his or her desired position.

Candidate’s Agenda (for SSG) (Enclosure No. 6.3)

This component of EAP is a tool to test the candidates’ worth for the position and know his or her capacity to lead and be part of the organization. This is composed of guide questions that the candidate needs to answer and serves as a basis of student voters for their voting decision.

Introductory Profile (for SPG) (Enclosure No. 6.4)

This component serves as a guide for our student-voters on who to select from the candidates. The profile of the candidates will be given, highlighting their vision and plans for the organization.

Certificate of Good Academic Standing (Enclosure No. 6.5)

This is a tool to know the academic performance of the candidates and assure that they have no failing grades from the previous semester/academic year. Candidates must possess or present a certificate of Goof Academic Standing.

Certificate of Good Moral Character (Enclosure No. 6.6)

This signifies that the candidates have not been subjected to any disciplinary action and are fit to serve the organization.

Parental Consent (Enclosure No. 6.7)

This is a proof that the parents/guardians give their consent for the candidates to participate in the elections.

SPG/SSG Election Procedures (Enclosure No. 6.8)

This is a guide for both official candidates and student-voters on the step-by-step procedures of the elections this school year.

II. Filing and Evaluation of EAP

a. Submission of EAP

The candidate (represented by the parent or guardian) shall submit the accomplished and completed EAP to the Class Adviser.

b. Endorsement of Submitted EAP

Upon submission of EAP, the Class Adviser shall endorse it to the COMELEC.

c. Evaluation of EAPs

The COMELEC shall evaluate the accomplished EAP of each candidate and shall decide on the approval or disapproval of his or her application using the Election Application Evaluation Tool for SPG and SSG (Enclosures No. 7.1 and 7.2).

III. Consolidation and Printing of Election Paraphernalia

The Election Paraphernalia is comprised of the following:

• Official List of Candidates
• Plan of Action (for SSG)
• Candidate’s Agenda (for SSG)
• Introductory Profile (for SPG)
• Official Ballot
• Envelope

The COMELEC shall collect and collate candidates’ information and answers from the components of the Election Paraphernalia listed above. Accordingly, they shall finalize and come up with the election’s Official List of Candidates. They shall also reproduce the consolidated components of the Election Paraphernalia based on the number of voters. This will be a tool and basis of voter’s selection decision. Finally, the elections’ official ballot will be included in the Election Paraphernalia for distribution.

IV. Announcement of the Final List of Official Candidates and Distribution of Election Paraphernalia

The COMELEC shall announce and distribute the Official List of Candidates of school’s SPG/SSG for this school year’s elections to all Class Advisers together with all the components of the Election Paraphernalia. The Class Adviser will then distribute the list and paraphernalia to each President of the class.

V. Election Proper

a. Start of Elections

The acceptance of the Final List of Candidates and Election Paraphernalia marks the start of the elections. The student – voters shall carefully follow the instructions in the official ballot and cast their votes. They should also refer to the SPG/SSG Election Procedures (Enclosure No. 6.8) for specific guidelines.

b. Retrieval of Official Ballot

The student – voters (represented by the parent or guardian) shall submit the accomplished official ballot to the Class Adviser following the schedule set by the COMELEC. It must be sealed in the envelope provided in the Election Paraphernalia.

c. Canvassing of Votes

The COMELEC shall collect all the Election Paraphernalia from all the Class Advisers, ensuring that no envelope has been opened, replaced, and tampered.

d. Consolidation of Canvassed Votes

The COMELEC shall consolidate all canvassed votes from all classes involved in the conduct of the elections.

VI. Proclamation of Winners

a. Validation of Official Results

The COMELEC shall validate the official results and come up with official list of school’s newly – elected SPG/SSG officers of the school year, signed and proclaimed by the COMELEC Adviser and approved by the School Head.

b. Announcement of Newly Elected Officers

The results of the elections shall be disseminated and forwarded to the Class Presidents and to all learners by the Class Adviser through print distribution.

VII. Selection and Approval of SPG/SSG Advisership

a. Selection of Possible SPG/SSG Adviser

The School Head shall select possible adviser amongst his or her teachers following the qualifications and guidelines set by the SPG/SSG’s Constitution and By-Laws.

b. Endorsement of SPG/SSG Adviser to the SDS

A letter endorsing the SPG/SSG Adviser of the school will be sent by the School Head to the office of the Schools Division Superintendent.

c. Approval and Issuance of SPG/SSG Advisership Designation

The SDS, upon the endorsement of the School Head shall approve and issue the teacher’s Advisership’s Designation, making it official.

VIII. Oath Taking

a. Distribution of Oath Taking Form (Enclosure No. 8)

To make the newly elected officers’ undertaking official, they shall obtain and accomplish the Oath Taking Form provided by the COMELEC. This also signifies their pledge for the organization.

b. Retrieval of accomplished Oath Taking Form

The newly elected officers shall submit their accomplished Oath Taking Form to their respective Class Advisers and shall be forwarded to the COMELEC.

IX. Consolidation of Election Documents

The COMELEC shall collate all the accomplished Oath Taking Forms and other relevant documents related to the recently concluded SPG/SSG elections.

SPG/SSG ELECTIONS (DIGITAL)

I. Announcement of Elections

a. Coordination of SPG/SSG Comelec with Class Advisers

The SPG/SSG COMELEC shall announce the conduct of elections and schedule of activities amongst Class Advisers, informing that each elected president of the class will be the representatives and participants of this school year’s SPG/SSG elections.

b. Announcement of SPG/SSG Elections Amongst Class Presidents

The Class Adviser shall send election notice and schedule of activities to the Class President through the online platform/s that will be utilized by the COMELEC in the conduct of SPG/SSG elections this school year.

c. Distribution of Election Application Packet (EAP)

Together with the election notice, the Class Adviser shall also send and include the EAPs containing various forms which will be completed and accomplished by the candidates (learners who signify interest to run). It also includes the SPG/SSG Election Procedures which aims to guide learners on the actual casting of votes.

The Election Application Packet (Enclosure No. 6) is comprised of the following:

Certificate of Candidacy (Enclosure No. 6.1)

This signifies that the SPG/SSG candidate is announcing his or her candidacy for a specific position and puts his or her purest intention and understanding on the procedures of the elections.

Plan of Action (for SSG) (Enclosure No. 6.2)

This is a detailed plan of projects, programs, and activities (PPAs) with specific actions and timelines that the candidate plans to implement related to his or her desired position.

Candidate’s Agenda (for SSG) (Enclosure No. 6.3)

This component of EAP is a tool to test the candidates’ worth for the position and know his or her capacity to lead and be part of the organization . This is composed of guide questions that the candidate needs to answer and serves as a basis of student voters for their voting decision.

Introductory Profile (for SPG) (Enclosure No. 6.4)

This component serves as a guide for our student-voters on who to select from the candidates. The profile of the candidates will be given, highlighting their vision and plans for the organization.

Certificate of Good Academic Standing (Enclosure No. 6.5)

To know the academic performance of the candidates and assure that they have no failing grades from the previous semester/academic year, they must possess or present a certificate of Goof Academic Standing.

Certificate of Good Moral Character (Enclosure No. 6.6)

This signifies that the candidates have not been subjected to any disciplinary action and are fit to serve the organization.

Parental Consent (Enclosure No. 6.7)

This is a proof that the parents/guardians give their consent for the candidates to participate in the elections.

SPG/SSG Election Procedures (Enclosure No. 6.8)

This is a guide for both official candidates and student-voters on the step-by-step procedures of the elections this school year.

II. Filing and Evaluation of EAP

a. Submission of EAP

The candidate (learner who signifies interest to run) shall submit the accomplished and completed EAP to the Class Adviser using an official email address (the only email that the candidate will use for the entire process of the elections, email not the same from the previously used email will not be valid).

b. Endorsement of Submitted EAP

Upon submission of EAP, the Class Adviser shall endorse it to the COMELEC

c. Evaluation of EAPs

The COMELEC shall evaluate the accomplished EAP of each candidate and shall decide on the approval or disapproval of his or her application using the Election Application Evaluation Tool for SPG and SSG (Enclosures No. 7.1 and 7.2).

III. Consolidation of Election Paraphernalia

The Election Paraphernalia is comprised of the following:

• Official List of Candidates
• Plan of Action (for SSG)
• Candidate’s Agenda (for SSG)
• Introductory Profile (for SPG)
• Online Official Ballot

The COMELEC shall collect and collate candidates’ information and answers from the components of the Election Paraphernalia listed above. They shall send the consolidated components of the Election Paraphernalia to all voters. Accordingly, they shall finalize and come up with the election’s Official List of Candidates. This will be a tool and basis of voter’s selection decision. Finally, the election’s official ballot via online form will be included in the Election Paraphernalia.

IV. Announcement of the Final List of Official Candidates and Distribution of Election Paraphernalia

The COMELEC shall announce and send the Official List of Candidates of school’s SPG/SSG for this school year’s elections to all Class Advisers together with all the components of the Election Paraphernalia. The Class Adviser will then send the list and paraphernalia to each President of the class.

V. Election Proper

a. Start of Elections

The created online form of the COMELEC will serve as the election’s official ballot per class. The student – voters shall carefully follow the instructions in the online official ballot and cast their votes. They may also refer to the SPG/SSG Election Procedures (Enclosure No. 6.8) for specific guidelines.

VI. Proclamation of Winners

a. Validation of Official Results

The COMELEC shall validate the official results and come up with official list of school’s newly – elected SPG/SSG officers of the school year, signed and proclaimed by the COMELEC Adviser and approved by the School Head.

b. Announcement of Newly Elected Officers

The results of the elections shall be disseminated and forwarded to the Class Presidents and to all learners by the Class Adviser through virtually.

VII. Selection and Approval of SPG/SSG Advisership

a. Selection of Possible SPG/SSG Adviser

The School Head shall select possible adviser amongst his or her teachers following the qualifications and guidelines set by the SPG/SSG’s Constitution and By Laws.

b. Endorsement of SPG/SSG Adviser to the SDS

A letter endorsing the SPG/SSG Adviser of the school will be sent by the School Head to the office of the Schools Division Superintendent.

c. Approval and Issuance of SPG/SSG Advisership Designation

The SDS, upon the endorsement of the School Head shall approve and issue the teacher’s Advisership’s Designation, making it official.

VIII. Oath Taking

a. Distribution of Oath Taking Form (Enclosure No. 8)

To make the newly elected officers’ undertaking official, they shall obtain and accomplish the Oath Taking Form which will be sent by the Class Adviser of the elected candidate, provided by the COMELEC. This also signifies their pledge for the organization.

b. Submission of Accomplished Oath Taking Form

The newly elected officers shall send their accomplished Oath Taking Form to their respective Class Advisers and shall be forwarded to the COMELEC.

IX. Consolidation of Election Documents

The COMELEC shall collate all the accomplished Oath Taking Forms and other relevant documents related to the recently concluded SPG/SSG elections.