Physical graduation rites still not allowed

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) reminded public and private elementary and high schools in the country that face-to-face graduation and moving-up ceremonies are still not allowed due to the pandemic.

In a memorandum released on Monday, Education Secretary Leonor Briones said face-to-face ceremonies are prohibited. Instead of physical ceremonies, the DepEd chief said end-of-school rites should be done virtually.

“The virtual conduct of the end-of-school year rites may be an option for schools and community learning centers, whenever feasible. Schools and CLCs may prepare a short program that will run in less than two hours to consider the internet connectivity that will be consumed. Only the completers, their parents/guardians, teachers and school administrators will be present during the virtual rites,” the memo read.

DepEd said schools could broadcast live their virtual end-of-school year rites through social media platforms, if given consent by parents and students.

For public schools, DepEd said the graduation and moving-up ceremonies shall be conducted in the week of July 12 to 16. Private schools, meanwhile, may implement the schedule as reflected in their respective school calendars.

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian hopes that the country is in a better situation by the start of the new school year in August and September.

“So in other words it’s quite uncertain and we are seeing surges around the country. This school year will end by July. Hopefully, by August, September for the new school year, we will have a better situation, we’ll have more people vaccinated, most important is that our teachers and this is a boost of confidence in the education sector,” Gatchalian said in an ANC interview.

Gatchalian said he favors allocating some Pfizer vaccines for students and stressed the country needs to hurdle vaccine hesitancy.

“At the recent SWS survey, only 32 percent want to get vaccinated. The rest are still hesitant or unsure so in other words, we need to overcome that by building trust. And like you said, the most immediate low-hanging fruit is for our trusted leaders and personalities to go out and promote vaccination,” Gatchalian said. – Cecille Suerte Felipe