The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday directed all public schools nationwide to keep end-of-school-year ceremonies modest and economical in response to the surging fuel prices.

In a statement, Education Secretary Sonny Angara urged all public schools to refrain from unnecessary spending to alleviate the financial burdens on Filipino families.

“Our schools must prioritize the welfare of learners by keeping these ceremonies simple, meaningful, and entirely free of unnecessary expenses,” he said.

Under Memorandum No. 015 series of 2026, schools were directed to refrain from renting expensive venues for end-of-school-year (EOSY) rites and utilize simple venues, like school grounds or covered courts instead.

The DepEd also strictly prohibits the collection of any contribution or fee for graduation and moving-up ceremonies, reminding school heads that participation in the rites is not contingent on financial contributions.

Only necessary expenses for the ceremonies should be sourced from the school’s Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) funds.

Angara stressed that families are now challenged by the increasing transportation costs and rising prices of basic commodities.

“We must ensure that this milestone remains a celebration of achievement rather than a financial ordeal for our parents, especially as we navigate the economic impact of rising fuel costs,” he said.

Non-academic activities, meanwhile, must not be imposed as requirements for graduation, such as field trips and prom nights.

The EOSY rites are set from March 30 to 31, with about 1.9 million Grade 6 learners and 1.8 million Grade 12 learners expected to graduate nationwide. (PNA)