DepEd limits diplomas, graduation rites to Grade 12 finishers

Only those who will finish Grade 12 will be entitled to graduation ceremonies this year, a recent order from the Department of Education has mandated.

According to Marisol Abdurahman's report on 24 Oras on Friday, only those who have finished senior high school will have graduation rites.

Those who will finish kindergarten, Grade Six and Grade Ten will have completion or moving up ceremonies.

Diplomas are also reserved only for graduates of senior high school. The others will only receive a certificate or proof of completion.

Graduating junior high school and elementary students were saddened with the order, saying that they were deprived of experiencing graduation.

“Sad po kasi walang ceremony,” said Crisanta Fariñas, a Grade 10 student graduating this year. “Tas nakaka-sad lang dahil ‘di kami nakakapagsuot ng toga.”

Parents and guardians were also disappointed that they would not be able to experience the joy of accompanying their children on stage as they reach a milestone in their education.

“‘Yun ang ano ng mga magulang na aakyat sa stage ‘di ba pag graduation, ‘yan ang pinakamasaya, proud ang magulang ‘pag ganu’n ‘di ba?” said Analiza Cabrillas, mother of a Grade 6 student.

DepEd did not cite an explanation for the change. GMA News tried to get a statement from their office, but they refused to give an interview because they were in the middle of a meeting discussing the order. —Marisse Panaligan/NB/KG, GMA News