The Department of Education (DepEd) 6 (Western Visayas) is calling for simple but meaningful end-of-school-year completion rites on March 30 or 31.
DepEd data shows that 170,767 learners from Grades 6 and 12 will graduate, while 159,642 Kindergarten and Grade 10 learners will have moving-up ceremonies for School Year 2025-2026.
DepEd-6 Chief Education Supervisor Donald Genine said that, based on Memorandum 15, series of 2026, ceremonies with the theme “Filipino Graduates Prepared to Give with Competence and Character” are expected to be simple yet meaningful for completers or graduates.
“No extravagance. Schools should avoid excessive spending, extravagant attire, or extraordinary venues,” he said in a press conference.
The guidelines also emphasized that no individual is allowed to collect any fees or contributions from teachers or learners for the event.
DepEd-6 Director Cristito Eco, meanwhile, said the expenses should be charged to the school.
However, if there are those willing to share, it should be a donation and not in the form of a collection, he added.
“Sound system, medals, all other expenses for the graduation or closing exercises should be charged to the school. That is allowed in the MOOE (miscellaneous and other operating expenses),” Eco said.
He also encouraged principals to tame the practice of parents providing extravagant gifts for their children.
“Let us make celebration simple, but worthwhile so it will leave a mark that will serve as inspiration for the child’s next phase of education or life,” he said. (PNA)
