DepEd-7 reminds schools not to collect grad fees

As public schools are set to hold graduation and completion rites, the Department of Education in Central Visayas (DepEd) -7 reminded administrators and teachers not to collect any fee or contribution for the ceremonial event.

DepEd-7 Public Relations Officer Amaryllis RodriguezVillarmia wanted to emphasize that schools should hold a “simple” closing or graduation program and avoid spending excessively, wearing expensive attire or holding the activity in luxurious venues.

“The private schools have the options to do it (but) as for the public schools, we have to make it as simple as possible… Make everything simple,” she told reporters yesterday.

Villarmia said these policies and guidelines are laid down under DepEd Order No. 8 dated February 17.

Under this order, signed by DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones, the closing or graduation ceremonies should remain simple in that it only involves the pupils, parents and the school personnel.

These rites, it further cited, should not be used as a political forum and rather should be an “appropriate solemn ceremony.”

“Graduation ceremonies should be simple but meaningful that will encourage civil rights, a sense of community, and personal responsibility,” the order reads.

For all public schools, the administrators are ordered to charge the expenses of the graduation activities to the School Maintenance and Operating Expenses (MOOE) under this year's budget.

That is why, the order further stated, DepEd personnel are prohibited from collecting any graduation fee or any kind of contribution from students and parents or guardians. However, the Parent-Teachers Associations are allowed to give donations in cash or in kind.

Villarmia clarified that the school heads or teaching staff and the parents can agree among themselves if they plan to initiate any program or event related to the graduation rites.

As this school year ends, Grade 6 pupils who completed elementary education will be graduating and moving on to high school in the coming school year.

A moving-up ceremony will commence for Grade 10 (or Junior High School) completers who will then proceed with two years for Senior High before finishing secondary education.

The graduation rites are scheduled on or before April 7. For school divisions with an extended school year, like those localities experiencing disasters that caused class suspension, the schools should be guided by the approved revised school calendar.