DepEd to schools: Keep graduation simple

“Graduation rites should be simple but meaningful which encourage civil rights, a sense of community and personal responsibility.” (Photo: Kelly Parker/ Facebook)

MANILA–The Department of Education (DepEd) is reiterating its call to all elementary and secondary schools to keep its graduation or completion rites simple.

In the recently issued Department Order (DO) No. 8, series 2017, Secretary Leonor Briones said that this is in line with the government’s austerity program.

“Graduation rites should be simple but meaningful which encourage civil rights, a sense of community and personal responsibility.”

Briones added, “While these rites mark a milestone in the life of the learners, these should be conducted without excessive spending, extravagant attire, or extraordinary venue.”

For school year 2016-2017, the DepEd is announcing the conduct of the following end of school year rites:

• Graduation ceremony for Grade 6 learners who completed elementary education and are entitled to an elementary certificate
• Moving Up or completion for Grade 10 learners who completed Junior High School and are entitled to a Junior High school Certificate
• Graduation ceremony for Grade 12 learners from schools with DepEd-approved K to 12 transition plan, or from schools with permit to operate Senior High School 2014, or from International schools with K to 12 program. Graduates are entitled to a high school diploma.

The closing ceremonies, or Moving Up, should be simple involving only the learners, the parents, and the school.

The DepEd also reiterated that non-academic projects such as attendance to field trips, film showing, junior-senior promenade, and other school events should not be imposed as requirements for graduation or completion.

Anchored on this year’s graduation theme, “Sabay-sabay na Hakbang Tungo sa Maunlad na Kinabukasan,” the DepEd is stressing the importance of collaborative efforts of the stakeholders and learners in achieving the shared vision of quality, accessible, relevant, and liberating basic education for all.

“It emphasizes the significance of unity in forging a better and progressive future for the Filipino youth,” Briones said.

The graduation rites are scheduled on or before April 7, 2017. However, for schools divisions with an extended school year, the schools should be guided by their approved revised school calendar.

The DepEd is also reminding all public schools that expenses for graduation activity should be charged to the School Maintenance and Operating Expenses (MOOE) under its 2017 budget.

Briones said that any DepEd personnel should not be allowed to collect any graduation fees or any kind of contribution. However, the Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) may give donations in cash or in kind. Moreover, contribution for the yearbook will be on voluntary basis only.

“As we usher in more innovations in our educational system, I enjoin everyone to contribute in making our basic education services geared towards the benefit of all Filipino children,” Briones said.