Shun politics during graduation rites, schools told

MANILA, Philippines — With the midterm elections just around the corner, the Department of Education (DepEd) has warned school officials not to turn end-of-school-year activities into political events.

In a department order issued on Monday, Education Secretary Leonor Briones reiterated an earlier directive prohibiting DepEd personnel from electioneering and taking part in partisan political activity.

“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.

Briones also 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,” the education chief said.

“(For public schools,) no DepEd personnel is allowed to collect any kind of contribution or fee for graduation, moving up or completing ceremony,” she added.

Graduation rites will be held for Grade 6 and 12 students, while those in kindergarten and Grade 10 will take part either in moving-up or completion ceremonies.

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 schedule.