Manila (23 February) — The Department of Education (DepEd), in Order No. 13, ordered all public and private schools to keep graduation rites for Batch 2010 politics-free.
It also ordered the schools to keep their graduation rites solemn yet simple and austere especially due to difficulties brought about by recent natural calamities.
DepEd Secretary Jesli Lapus said in the order that the graduating rites should be conducted in an appropriate solemn ceremony befitting the graduating students and their parents and shall not in any way be used as a venue for political forum.
Lapus reiterated the department’s policy on the conduct and collection of fees for graduation rites, where public schools are not allowed to collect graduation fees or any contribution for graduation rites.
While the Parents Teachers Association (PTA), however, may solicit minimal voluntary contributions from members for graduation ceremonies and celebration, teachers and principals should not be involved in it.
On the other hand, Lapus said there should be no extravagance in graduation rites, adding holding the graduation in school premises is encouraged.
Also, Lapus said there should be no special attire for the ceremonies. While wearing togas are allowed, only the actual cost of rental of togas (will be shouldered) by the graduating class.
Lapus also stressed contributions for the annual yearbook will be on a voluntary basis only.
Source: Philippine Information Agency
It is good that the DepEd issued this memo as some schools tend to be extravagant in their graduation ceremonies creating stress for children and their parents.
The DepEd memos on extravagance graduation rites is a welcome move for all parents. But there are other concern like illegal collections of fees in JS Prom, Christmas party, etc. But the teachers are defying the DepEd orders. It become their routine business in schools because they are the ones collecting and imposing the fees and look for caterers, togas, etc. Worst, they threatened students not to sign their clearances if they can not pay. The parents are also to be blamed because they seem to show-off they can afford and not to be outdone by other parents.
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