Department of Education bans togas, politics in graduation ceremonies

MANILA, Philippines - Department of Education Secretary Jesli Lapus said yesterday that he has issued an order directing public and private elementary and secondary schools to tone down graduation ceremonies and for guest speakers to avoid political speeches.

“The graduation rites should be conducted in an appropriate solemn ceremony befitting the graduating students and their parents and shall not in any way be used as a venue for political forum,” he told reporters during the weekly Kapihan sa Sulo hotel forum in Quezon City.  

Lapus said schools should not require togas or other special attire, or collect any fees for the graduation rites.

He said togas may be allowed, subject to the approval of parent-teacher association and the graduating students themselves. He added that students should only pay for the actual cost of renting the toga.

Lapus also said contributions for the annual yearbook should be on a voluntary basis and public schools are not allowed to collect any graduation fee or any contribution for the ceremony.

He said the graduation rites, which are scheduled between March 20 and April 3, should focus on the theme “My Education, My Contribution to the Future.” – Perseus Echeminada