Is PATHFit Included in GWA Calculation in the Philippines? (2026 Guide)
A comprehensive guide explaining whether PATHFit courses (1 to 4) are included in your General Weighted Average (GWA), Latin honors evaluation, and scholarship standing.
Across colleges and universities in the Philippines, the traditional Physical Education (PE 1 to 4) curriculum has been updated to PATHFit (Physical Activity Towards Health and Fitness) under Commission on Higher Education guidelines. A common concern among college students is whether their grades in PATHFit 1, 2, 3, and 4 are factored into their General Weighted Average (GWA), Dean's List eligibility, and Latin honors.
This guide explains the academic policies governing PATHFit across Philippine Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), its impact on scholarship maintaining averages, and how to verify your university's official computation rules.
What is PATHFit in Philippine Higher Education?
PATHFit stands for Physical Activity Towards Health and Fitness. It was introduced under CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 39, series of 2021 to replace legacy Physical Education programs. It consists of four mandatory courses (2 units each, totaling 8 units across your degree program):
| Course Code | Course Title | Units | Course Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| PATHFit 1 | Movement Competency Training (MCT) | 2 Units | Fundamental movement patterns, posture, core stability, and fitness screening. |
| PATHFit 2 | Exercise-based Fitness Activities | 2 Units | Cardiorespiratory endurance, strength training, flexibility, and aerobic exercise programs. |
| PATHFit 3 | Menu of Sports / Dance / Martial Arts | 2 Units | Individual/dual sports, Philippine folk dance, contemporary dance, or self-defense. |
| PATHFit 4 | Menu of Team Sports / Outdoor Recreation | 2 Units | Team ball games (volleyball, basketball), swimming, or outdoor adventure sports. |
Is PATHFit Computed in Your GWA?
In the vast majority of Philippine universities and colleges, PATHFit grades are NOT included in the computation of your General Weighted Average (GWA). Like the National Service Training Program (NSTP), PATHFit is classified as a non-academic institutional graduation requirement.
Here is how major university categories handle PATHFit in GWA calculations:
- State Universities and Colleges (SUCs): At the University of the Philippines (UP), Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), and Batangas State University, PATHFit/PE units carry non-academic credit (0 numerical weight toward GWA). Your transcript reflects the numerical grade, but the units are excluded from the divisor.
- Private Autonomous Universities: At institutions like De La Salle University (DLSU) and Ateneo de Manila University, fitness and recreation courses are treated as non-academic requirements and excluded from Cumulative GPA / QPI calculations.
- Exceptions in Selected Private HEIs: A few private non-sectarian colleges factor all enrolled subjects on the curriculum checklist directly into their term GWA. Always verify your official student handbook.
University-by-University Breakdown
| University / College | Grading Scale | Counted in GWA? | Failing Grade (5.0 / F) Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| UP System (Diliman, Manila, LB, etc.) | 1.00 – 5.00 | No (0 credit units for GWA) | Disqualifies from Latin honors for the graduating term until removed; blocks graduation. |
| PUP Manila & Campuses | 1.00 – 5.00 | No (Excluded) | Disqualifies from President's List, Dean's List, and Latin honors. |
| UST Manila | 1.00 – 5.00 | No (Excluded from GWA) | Incurs academic deficiency; must retake before thesis/practicum enrollment. |
| DLSU Manila | 0.0 – 4.0 | No (Excluded from CGPA) | Grade of 0.0 prevents Dean's Honors and delays graduation clearance. |
| Ateneo de Manila University | Letter / 4.0 QPI | No (Excluded from QPI) | Must clear requirement; non-credit course deficiency. |
How Does PATHFit Affect Latin Honors & Dean's List?
Even though PATHFit numerical grades do not change your GWA calculation, their completion status directly affects your academic honors eligibility:
- No Failing Marks Rule: Most institutions (including UP, UST, and PUP) strictly enforce a "No Grade of 5.0 or Failed" rule across all subjects in the student's curriculum, including PATHFit and NSTP. A failing grade in PATHFit 2 will disqualify you from graduating Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, or Summa Cum Laude. For complete rules, see our guide on whether PE and NSTP are included in GWA.
- Dean's List Load Requirements: To qualify for the Dean's List or College Scholar status, students must carry a regular academic load. While PATHFit units do not count toward academic GWA, failing to attend or dropping PATHFit can lead to an incomplete load status.
- Graduation Clearance: You cannot receive your degree diploma or Transcript of Records (TOR) with an outstanding PATHFit deficiency.
Impact on DOST and CHED Scholarships
If you are a recipient of a national government grant, such as the DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship or the CHED Merit Scholarship Program, keep these policies in mind:
- DOST Scholars: DOST requires passing marks in all registered courses each semester. An unremoved failing mark in PATHFit is grounds for scholarship suspension, even though your academic GWA remains above 2.50.
- CHED Grantees: CHED maintains a semester GWA requirement (85% or 2.00 equivalent). While PATHFit does not pull down your GWA score, you must pass the subject to retain regular student status.
Step-by-Step: How to Calculate Your Academic GWA Without PATHFit
To calculate your true General Weighted Average, follow this standard formula:
GWA = Σ (Academic Grade × Academic Units) ÷ Total Academic Units
Do not multiply your PATHFit grade by 2 units when summing your total credit points, and do not add the 2 units to the denominator. You can compute your exact semester grade using our free General GWA Calculator or school-specific calculators such as the UST GWA Calculator and PUP GWA Calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I drop PATHFit without affecting my standing?
If you drop PATHFit within the official university dropping period with an approved Dropping Form, you will receive a mark of "DRP". In many schools, a "DRP" in a non-academic course does not disqualify you from Latin honors, provided you maintained the minimum regular academic unit load.
2. What happens if I get an Incomplete (INC) in PATHFit?
An INC in PATHFit must be completed within the standard one-year prescription period by submitting the required fitness logs, performance tasks, or practical exams. An uncompleted INC lapses into a 5.0 (Failed) in most public universities.
3. Are transferees required to retake PATHFit?
If you passed PATHFit 1 to 4 at a CHED-accredited college, your official Transcript of Records (TOR) or Honorable Dismissal can be credited by your new university's registrar through course crediting.