DepEd reminder: Keep graduation simple and politics-free

Published February 8, 2012 10:07am

As the end of the school year is just a month away, the Department of Education reminded heads of schools to keep the graduation rites simple - and to avoid politics.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro particularly reminded school officials against collecting any kind of fee for the occasion.

“I would like to reiterate DepEd Order No. 8, series of 2005 which prohibits the collection of any graduation fees or any kind of contribution for the graduation rites. I will hold responsible all school heads and DepEd personnel who will violate this,” Luistro said in a news release posted on the government portal Tuesday.

But he also hinted against politics at the graduation rites.

The DepEd news release quoted Luistro as saying the graduation "should be solemn, focused on the students and their parents, and not a venue for political forum."

According to the DepEd, graduation day for public elementary and high schools will be on March 28 or 29.

DepEd Order No. 8 of 2005 adopted the theme "Schools First Initiative: Focus on Outcomes, the Graduates."

This means:

No non-academic project shall be imposed as a requirement for graduation;
Public schools are not allowed to collect graduation fees or contributions for graduation rites;
Parent-Teacher Associations may solicit voluntary contributions from members for graduation ceremonies and celebrations but teachers and principals should not be involved in collection;
No extravagant special attire or extraordinary venue for the ceremonies should be required; and
Contributions for the yearbook shall be voluntary.

“The significance of the event should not be overshadowed by pomp, pageantry and unwarranted spending,” Luistro added.

Luistro said what the DepEd wants to encourage is the simplicity in the holding of a meaningful event.

“In graduation, we want to be reminded of what our learners gained during their stay in school, their sense of community and personal responsibility,” he said. — RSJ, GMA News

Tags: deped, graduationday