DepEd supports grad fee subsidy

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Education Division of Cebu City supports the passage of the proposed ordinance providing for graduation fees subsidy to all public elementary and secondary schools in the city.

The ordinance was being proposed by Councilor Alvin Dizon reportedly with the aim to lessen the burden of the parents.

“In behalf of all public school heads and graduating students of Cebu City, I would like to say thank you for this move. We are behind you in the approval of this ordinance,” said Dr. Rhea Mar Angtud, DepEd Cebu Schools Division Superintendent, in her letter to Dizon.

Based on the ordinance, the city government shall allot a minimum of P3 million every year under the City Sponsored Activities account in the annual budget for all public elementary and secondary schools in the city to subsidize the expenses for their respective graduation ceremonies.

The proposed ordinance further provides that  “The City of  Cebu may increase its graduation fee subsidy taking into consideration an increase in the number of graduates, inflation, etcetera.

Should this local legislation be approved, the financial aid will be given directly to each school.

According to Angtud, Cebu City Division has 15,000 graduates in elementary and 10,500 graduates in secondary.

The allowed graduation fee for every elementary graduate is P90 and P150 per high school graduate, she said.

One of DepEd’s policies states that “Graduation rites should be simple but meaningful affairs which encourage civic rites, sense of community, and personal responsibilities.”

Non-academic projects such as attendance to field trips, film showing, JS Promenade and other school events, but not limited to these events, should not be imposed as requirements for graduation, the policy further states.

Parents and Teachers Associations (PTAs) may give donations in cash or in kind and if there is an annual yearbook, it should be on a voluntary basis.

In his ordinance, Dizon said Article 14 Section 1 of  the 1987 Constitution provides that “The State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels, and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.”

If the ordinance is passed, the Cebu City Local School Board shall draft policies and guidelines on how the public elementary and secondary schools can avail the financial support.  —/NSA (FREEMAN)