Lavish X'mas parties for kids in public schools prohibited

A Provincial Board member has advised public school teachers to do away with lavish spending in holding the Christmas parties for schoolchildren.

In a resolution filed to the PB secretariat, member Juan Bolo noted that teachers should bear in mind that despite the merriment the country's economy "is still not robust enough" to allow for lavish spending.

"This could also be the most opportune time for us to teach them the value of frugality and will allow them to venture into their creativity by coming up with innovative cheap idea of celebrating their parties," Bolo said in his proposed measure.

Last December 1, Education Undersecretary and officer-in-charge Fe Hidalgo called on teachers to exercise austerity measures, especially against using the Christmas season as an opportunity to solicit from their students by means of caroling.

Hidalgo then cited reports she received that there are teachers who have sent letters to the parents of their students about planned caroling in order to generate funds for the schoolchildren's Christmas parties.

She said this should not be practiced because of its moral implication and in view of the current economic situation in the country. - Cristina C. Birondo/MEEV