Graduation policies to follow
DIRECTOR’S Cut: (This portion features the thoughts of Deped 11 Regional Director Gloria D. Benigno, CESO IV to all stakeholders and recipients of the efforts to improve the basic education) “I am your team leader, you are my team mates, together, let us work as a team”
- o0O0o – On February 25, 2014, Freedom Day, the Department of Education (DepEd) announces the guidelines for this year’s Graduation Rites through DepEd Order No. 9 s. 2014.
In the Deped Order, it says that the rites shall focus on the theme “Hindi Natitinag ang Pusong Pilipino,” to pay homage to the resilience of the Filipino spirit and its triumphs over the recent string of calamities it conquered over the school year.
Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro wants to maintain the solemnity of the occasion by remaining frugal and simple. He said while the graduation rites mark a milestone in every learner, we should keep it prudent and economical. Extravagant attires and venues are not necessary to make an impression, the important thing is we send the message of nationalism, excellence and resilience to every graduate.
The Deped issuance also emphasized that all the Graduation Rites in the public schools should be scheduled either on the 27th or the 28th of March this year except for regions or schools divisions who extended their academic year due to natural or man-made calamities.
In line with the government’s austerity program, Deped reiterates the following policies for both public and private schools, stated in Deped Order 9, s. 2014:
Graduation rites should be simple but meaningful affairs which encourage civic rites, sense of community and personal responsibilities. While these rites mark a milestone in the life of the graduates, thse should be conducted without excessive spending, extravagant attire or extraordinary venue.
It was also emphasized that non-academic projects such as attendance to field trips, film showing, JS Promenade and other school events and the likes should not be imposed as requirements for graduation.
Specifically for the public schools, the following should be observed:
Expenses relative to the activity should be charged to the school Maintenance and Other Expenses (MOOE) under the 2014 budget.
No Deped personnel is allowed to collect any graduation fees or any kind of contribution.
Parents and Teachers Associations (PTAs) may give donations in cash or in kind and contribution for the annual yearbook should be on voluntary basis.
Lastly, Secretary Luistro stressed that the graduation rites shall not be used as political forum but shall be conducted in an appropriate manner befitting the graduating students and pupils with their parents.
Advance happy graduation to all!
- o0O0o - You can access Deped Updates, latest issuances, photos and other relevant information through our website: region11.deped.gov.ph and our Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/deped. regionxi. For comments, suggestions and/or contributions, send your email to depedregion11@gmail.com. For queries, complains and other concerns, call Deped Region 11 at (082) 227-9342 or fax to (082) 227-1102 and (082) 221-6147.