Keep graduation rites simple, DepEd reminds schools

Keep this year's graduation rites meaningful but simple.

 

This was the reminder of the Department of Education to schools as Graduation Day nears in March. The DepEd said graduation ceremonies should be scheduled March 26 or 27.

 

Also, the DepEd also urged schools to make sure the graduation rites promote civil rights, foster a sense of community, and encourage personal responsibilities.

 

“While graduation rites mark a milestone in the life of the graduates, these should be conducted without excessive spending, extravagant attires, or extravagant venues,” DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro said.

 

Luistro directed public school heads to charge graduation-related expenses to the school Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) under the 2015 budget.

 

He added contributions for the annual yearbook should be on a voluntary basis, with Parent-Teacher Associations allowed to donate funds so long as they are voluntary.

 

Meanwhile, he said non-academic projects such as field trips, film showing, and Junior/Senior Promenades should not be requirements for graduation.

 

Theme

 

For 2015, the graduation theme is “Saktong Buhay: Sa De-kalidad na Edukasyon Pinanday,” the DepEd said.

 

It said this highlights the importance of quality education in forging a decent future for the Filipino youth.

 

“Through this theme, we hope to emphasize the Department’s commitment in honing the 21st century skills among Filipino graduates in order for them to actualize their life goals and dreams not only for themselves but also for the less fortunate,” Luistro said. — Joel Locsin/VC, GMA News