Keep graduation rites simple, schools told

THE Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday reminded all public schools to make graduation ceremonies simple and inexpensive for students while following the prescribed theme.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro said this year’s graduation rites will focus on the theme “Saktong Buhay: Sa De-kalidad na Edukasyon Pinanday,” which will highlight the importance of quality education in forging a decent future for the Filipino youth. This year’s graduation ceremonies should be scheduled either on March 26 or 27.

“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.

The DepEd chief reminded schools about the “no extravagant special attire or extraordinary venue” guideline to maintain the solemnity of the occasion by keeping it frugal and simple.

The graduation rites, Luistro said, should not be an exercise in splurging, pomp and pageantry but should be simple affairs that exhort graduates to do their civic duties, have a sense of community, and be responsible citizens. He warned against excessive spending in making the commencement rites memorable, exciting and animated.

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

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

“Contribution for the annual yearbook, if any, should be on a voluntary basis,” he added. Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) may donate funds as long as these are from voluntary and not coerced contributions.

Luistro also said that non-academic projects such as but not limited to field trips, film showing, JS Promenade and other school events should not be imposed as requirements for graduation.