Keep graduation rites free, simple- DEPED

THE Department of Education (Deped) on Tuesday reminded schools nationwide to keep graduation rites simple in keeping with the department’s austerity program.

“Under our existing policy, public school heads, teachers and other Deped personnel are not allowed to collect any graduation fees or any kind of contribution for the graduation rites,” Deped Order No. 8 series of 2012 issued by Education Secretary Armin Luistro said.

“Graduation rites should also not be an exercise in splurging and display of pomp and pageantry but should be Spartan affairs which exhort civic duties, sense of community and personal responsibilities and should be memorable, exciting and animated without baggage of extra cost and excessive spending,” Luistro added.

The same policy also prohibited extravagant special attire or extraordinary venue for the ceremonies.

The Deped chief said contribution for the annual yearbook shall be on a voluntary basis while the ParentsTeachers Association (PTA) may give cash or donations in kind for the graduation ceremonies.

Luistro also said graduation rites should not be used as venue for politicking.

“The graduation rites should be conducted in an appropriate solemn ceremony befitting the graduating students and their parents and shall not be used for political forum,” the official said.

The Deped has set the graduation rites this year from March 28 to 29 with the theme “Your Gift of Learning , Our Tool for Nation Building, or Ang Alay Ninyong Kaalaman, Gamit Namin sa Pag-unlad ng Bayan.”