The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday said that graduation ceremonies for this year must be toned down in line with efforts to save energy amid fuel price hikes brought by the Middle East conflict.
In a statement, the department instructed schools to conduct “modest and economical” celebrations.
“Our schools must prioritize the welfare of learners by keeping these ceremonies simple, meaningful, and entirely free of unnecessary expenses,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.
According to DepEd, commencement rites must be conducted on school grounds or in other simple venues to avoid the collection of fees.
It added that public schools must source the funds needed for these ceremonies from their maintenance and other operating expenses.
“DepEd strictly prohibits the collection of any contribution or fee for graduation and moving-up ceremonies, reminding school heads that participation in the rites is not contingent on financial contributions,” DepEd said.
Meanwhile, Alliance of Concerned Teachers chairperson Ruby Bernardo criticized the Education Department’s latest instruction, describing the move as “state abandonment.”
She added that the government’s current austerity measures have significantly affected learners and teachers in organizing their commencement rites by placing pressure on schools.
A total of around 3.7 million students from Grades 6 and 12 combined are set to receive their respective diplomas on March 30 and 31.
