To: Undersecretaries
Assistant Secretaries
Bureau, Regional and Center Directors
Schools Division Superintendents
Public and Private Elementary and Secondary School Principals/Heads

1. The STEP as a co-curricular program of the DepED, is hereby recognized as a significant support initiative for the TLE component of the MAKABAYAN, whose function is to enhance and complement the learning competencies of the life skills training and career enhancement program of the curriculum, particularly in developing leadership potentials, building desirable work values and character, and improving technical and functional skills in Home Economics, Agriculture and Fishery Arts, Industrial Arts, and Entrepreneurship and Computer Education.
2. To realize this, the STEP organization is mandated to organize skills training and competitions in the school, division, regional and national levels. It shall provide adequate avenues for exposures in various life skills training in the world of work whether in the local or international arena.
3. As an added measure, the attached Constitution and By-Laws as amended during the First STEP National Skills Competition and Conference held in Cebu City on January 29 – February 1, 2003 is hereby promulgated to guide the STEP organization.
4. Regional Directors, Schools Division Superintendents, School Principals/Heads are encouraged to adopt the STEP, to provide support and assistance to the program and its activities in all levels, and to promote membership of students in the STEP organization.
5. The Education Supervisors lI and Education Supervisors I for Technology and Livelihood Education or the Education Supervisors designated as coordinators in their respective areas of coverage are tasked to implement the STEP in accordance with the thrusts and programs as determined in appropriate issuances.
6. The DepEd Center for Students and Co-Curricular Affairs (CSCA), through Executive Director Joey G. Pelaez, STEP National Adviser, shall take charge of the management of the program in the national level. For queries, please contact the CSCA at telephone numbers 631- 8495 or 636-3603 or with address at Ground Floor, Mabini Bldg., DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City.
7. Expenses of the Center for Students and Co-Curricular Affairs (CSCA) in implementing the STEP Program shall be sourced from the funds allocated to support the programs and projects for students’ co-curricular affairs in the Office of the Secretary pursuant to the Special Provisions of the General Appropriations Act (GAA).
8. All previous memoranda, orders, circulars, and/or guidelines inconsistent with this Order shall be deemed amended and superseded.
9. Wide and immediate dissemination of this Order is enjoined.

Encls.: As stated
Reference: DECS Order: (No. 44, s. 2001)
Allotment: 1 – (D.O. 150-97)

To be indicated in the Perpetual Index under the following subjects:
CURRICULUM
PROJECTS
STUDENTS
TRAINING PROGRAMS