Schools told: Keep grad rites easy on the pocket

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Councilor Dennis Basillote, chairman of the committee on education, reminds the public elementary and secondary school heads, teachers and principals to properly observe the guidelines set for the conduct of graduation rites.

Basillote said the Department of Education guidelines and policies state that collection of graduation fees or any kind of contribution is strictly prohibited.

Also, funds to be used for graduation should be sourced out from the Parents-Teachers Association donations.

Centered on the theme “Building the Nation’s Future Leaders Through the K to 12 Basic Education Program” or “K-12 Basic Education Program – Tungo sa Paghuhubog ng mga Makabagong Lider ng Bansa,” the graduation rites should be scheduled either on March 18 or 19, based upon the recommendation of DepEd.

DepEd also said that there should be no special attire or extravagant venue for graduation rites, and any contribution for the yearbook should be on a voluntary basis in order to ease the financial burden of parents.

With these constant reminders, DepEd hopes that this year it won’t hear complaints from parents relative to the collection of fees, and for politicians not to use graduation rites as a venue to reach out to voters. (FREEMAN)