DepEd reminds officials: Don’t allow candidates in graduation

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Schools Division superintendent has reminded all public and private school principals that campaigning are off limits during graduation rites.

Dr. Rheamar Angtud disseminated to all public elementary and high schools in Cebu City the memorandum order issued by education Secretary Armin Luistro disallowing graduation rites to be used as political rallies.

Luistro has prohibited all public schools from inviting candidates as keynote speaker during graduation ceremonies.

Angtud also requested the politicians to respect the graduation rites.

“Ato untang request sa mga politiko nga ang graduation para sa mga bata ug naay laing venue para sa campaign nila. Ihatag na lang ni nato sa mga bata ang kani nga okasyon,” said Angtud.

Incumbent officials however may be invited as speakers but are requested to limit his or her speech in giving inspirational message to the graduates.

“Ang mga incumbent nga included sa program mamahimong mohatag sa ilang graduation message pero dili mangampanya. Mosulti sila dili isip politiko but isip incumbent official sa lugar,” Angtud said.

The DepEd memorandum was addressed to all bureau directors, regional directors, division superintendents, private and public elementary and secondary school heads.

The same memorandum also states that public school heads, teachers and other DepEd personnel should not be allowed to collect any graduation fees or any kind of contribution for the graduation rites. However, donations from Parents Teachers Association (PTA) are allowed for the graduation ceremonies and celebrations.

Non-academic projects are also not allowed as requirement for graduation and contributions for the annual yearbook, if any, should be in a voluntary basis.

The memorandum was welcomed by most of the school officials. (FREEMAN)