Schools told: No collection, please

CEBU, Philippines —  Students and their parents are not required to contribute money for school Christmas parties, the Department of Education (DepEd) said.

According to DepEd Cebu City schools division superintendent Dr. Bianito Dagatan, teachers and principals should strictly observe the “no compulsory collection” policy in the holding of Christmas parties, especially in public schools.

He clarified, however, that school heads, parents, and other concerned individuals may resort to a compromise.

“If agreed by all the parents and in the class, and the collection is only very minimal, then maybe it is given consideration. But if the amount is too much and collection is made compulsory, then automatically, it is not allowed even if with parents’ nod,” Dagatan told The FREEMAN in a text message.

He also emphasized that Christmas parties should be an avenue for pupils to deepen their understanding on the value of giving and sharing, not by lavish preparation but through simple celebrations.

“Let me remind all our dear teachers and school heads that instilling the value and true essence of Christmas celebration is not through expensive parties but through simple celebration coupled with love and sharing,” said Dagatan.

He urged teachers to devise ways or strategies so that not a single student will be left out because he or she cannot afford to buy a gift or donate food or drinks.

Normally, pupils and students during Christmas parties engage in playing games, exchanging gifts with other schoolmates, and sharing food together.

Dagatan, however, encouraged teachers and school heads to let students bring food cooked at home or prepared by their parents and have them shared with the class in order to minimize the cost.

“Let us observe the principle of inclusivity regardless of economic status,” he said.

To note, majority of the marginalized students attend to public schools because education services are offered for free.

Dagatan said Christmas parties for public schools are most likely to be celebrated on December 15. This as the last day of classes this school year has been made earlier.

DepEd announced recently that the start of Christmas break is moved on December 15, instead of December 22, to allow students to spend more quality time with their family especially during the Christmas season.

“The (DepEd) order says December 15 is still a class day to be used for student activities. Hence, at our end, we will let the schools use that day as their students’ Christmas party,” said Dagatan.

Dagatan also said the “no compulsory collection” rule and the schedule of school calendar only apply to public schools since private institutions have their own internal policies.

Pasko sa Sugbo

Meanwhile, the Fuente Osmeña Circle is now open to those who will join the celebration of Pasko sa Sugbo 2018 of the Cebu City government.

According to the Cebu City Public Information Office, various nightly activities and performances will be staged in the rotunda from December 1 to 30 between 5 p.m. and 12 midnight. Admission is free.

Some highlights this year are the traditional lighting of the white Christmas tree, along with booths from participating barangays and sponsors.

The giant Christmas tree was already lighted up last night in time for the formal opening of this year's celebration.

According to Pasko sa Sugbo program director Jess dela Cruz, visitors can expect barangays to feature their respective delicacies and “Instagram-able” booths for picture-taking.

“Ang tema na gustong ipaabot ni Mayor (Tomas Osmeña), kalipay sa matag Sugbuanon (The mayor wishes to impart the theme that centers on happiness for every Cebuano),” dela Cruz said.

The event is spearheaded for the first time by the Liga ng mga Barangay-Cebu City Chapter and Cebu City Local Youth Development Office.

On the issue of safety and security, dela Cruz said that they have coordinated with Barangay Intelligence Network (BIN).

In addition, participating barangays are required to deploy five tanods to help secure Fuente Osmeña Circle every night, on top of personnel from the Cebu City Police Office.

“Ang security depende man na sa disiplina sa katawhan, but we make sure nga safety gyud ang tanan (Security depends on the people's discipline, but we will try our best so everyone will be safe),” said dela Cruz. — Isabella G. Obor, USJ-R Intern, JMD (FREEMAN)