DepEd: Make graduation ceremonies simple

MANILA, Philippines - The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) yesterday expressed support for an order issued by the Department of Education (DepEd) directing school administrators to make graduation ceremonies simple but memorable.

“Let us make the graduation ceremony simple because some parents are already complaining that some graduation rites have become lavish. Even earning a decent living has become difficult. It is also difficult to look for payments for graduation fees,” said CEAP president Fr. Greg Banaga.

He said the graduation ceremony should not be turned into a pageant or fashion show, and even the junior-senior prom should be kept simple.

Instead of spending for expensive gowns, he said, the family’s money should be used for the children’s education needs in high school or college.

“Actually, this (JS prom) is not really important. It has just become part of their tradition but they could avoid it,” Banaga said.