No graduation rites anew, DepEd says

CEBU, Philippines — In-person graduation rites are still prohibited due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Department of Education said as the first year of learning during the pandemic nears its end.

This will be the second time since the pandemic began that end-of-school-year (EOSY) ceremonies for kinder, grades 6, 10 and 12, and Alternative Learning System learners will not be held in person. Classes have been done online or through learning modules while schools remain closed.

Secretary Leonor Briones, in a May 24 memorandum, said schools could instead opt for a virtual ceremony between July 12 to 16. The extended school year ends on July 10.

"To ensure the protection of the health and safety of learners, teachers and personnel, as well as parents and other stakeholders, any face-to-face ceremony is not allowed," the memo read, which encouraged schools to keep their program short considering internet connectivity.

DepEd added that schools may broadcast the virtual rites on their social media pages, but should first secure the consent of parents and students.

DepEd-7 Regional Director Salustiano Jimenez said physical graduation ceremonies are disallowed regardless of quarantine classification or status.

“So regardless og modified general community quarantine na ang area or wala nay COVID-19 cases, wala gihapon face-to-face usa aning end-of-school-year rites,” he said.

Private schools, on the other hand, "shall be guided by their approved school calendars or revised school calendar."

“Given that public health and safety is deemed as topmost concern at the this time, schools and CLCs, shall abide by applicable guidelines and protocols set by the Department of Health, Inter-Agency Task Force and the Office of the President in light of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Briones.

Should the public health situation prevent the conduct of such activity on the specified week, it can either be reset or just forgo the activity.

This year’s EOSY theme is ” Kalidad ng Edukasyon Lalong Patatagin sa Gitna ng Pandemya” or “Strengthening the Quality of Education Amid the COVID-19 pandemic.” — Philstar.com, KQD (FREEMAN)