MANILA, Philippines — A Department of Education (DepEd) order uploaded on the agency’s website has mistakenly removed graduation rites for Grade 6 students.
In a memorandum issued on Friday, Education Secretary Leonor Briones apologized for the confusion caused by the error, clarifying that Grade 6 students will still have their graduation ceremonies at the end of the current school year next month.
“The moving-up ceremonies instead of graduation for Grade 6 completers is under discussion by the executive committee,” she said. “Should this be approved, DepEd assures all concerned that this will be announced with sufficient lead time.”
Two versions of DepEd Order No. 2, series of 2019 dated Feb. 18, were uploaded by the agency on its website.
In the first version, only Grade 12 or senior high school students would have graduation rites, while kindergarten and Grades 6 and 10 completers will either have moving-up or completion ceremonies.
The newer version reverted to the previous set-up, where Grades 6 and 12 completers will take part in graduation rites while kindergarten and Grade 10 completers will have moving-up or completion ceremonies.
The error caused confusion among schools, with local offices such as the schools division in Tagum City issuing a memorandum saying only senior high school students will have graduation rites.
The end of school year ceremonies will be held between April 1 to 5 in public schools, while private schools have the discretion to set their own schedules.
Briones previously called for “simple but meaningful” ceremonies that would encourage civil rights, a sense of community and personal responsibility.
“While these rites mark a milestone in the life of the learners, these should be conducted without excessive spending, extravagant attire or extraordinary venue,” she said.
“No DepEd personnel is allowed to collect any kind of contribution or fee for graduation, moving up or completing ceremony,” added the DepEd chief in connection with public schools.
She also warned school officials against turning end of school year activities into political events.
“The end of school year rites and moving up or completion ceremony shall be conducted in an appropriate solemn ceremony befitting the learners and their parents and shall not be used as a political forum,” Briones said.