DepEd sets guidelines for F2F end-of-year rites

MANILA, Philippines —  The Department of Education (DepEd) is “highly discouraging” the conduct of face-to-face end-of-school year (EOSY) rites, but said limited physical ceremonies would still be allowed in areas under Alert Levels 1 and 2.

Under DepEd Memorandum 43, the department said that EOSY rites could be held as long as schools strictly comply with public health protocols.

“To ensure the protection of the health, safety and well-being of learners, teachers, personnel as well as parents and other stakeholders, the face-to-face conduct of EOSY rites is highly discouraged,” the memorandum read.

Still, the department said limited face-to-face or hybrid ceremonies could be conducted in consultation with parents and local government units.

It added that this would “give learners a sense of normalcy without risking their health and safety.”

Parental consent will be needed for learners to attend the ceremonies, according to the agency.

Other measures that need to be observed are the face mask requirement, one-meter physical distancing, assigned seating, no physical contact and only parents or designated guardians shall be permitted to accompany the student.

For schools under Alert Levels 3, 4 and 5, the DepEd said they shall hold virtual EOSY rites that may be livestreamed via online platforms.

EOSY rites should not run for more than two hours and only teachers, parents, learners, school officials and invited guests shall be present.

The department again reiterated that EOSY rites should not be used as a political platform and electioneering and partisan political activities are prohibited.