CEBU, Philippines - Talisay Schools Division Superintendent Leah Noveras urged parents to address their complaints, clarifications or suggestions regarding graduation fees directly to their office so that they could address the problems immediately.
She recalled that in 2015, their office received a complaint from a parent regarding graduation fees, but it was too late for them to address the parent’s concern since the complaint was directed to the Department of Education (DepEd) Regional Office and was received by Talisay only in July, long after graduation was concluded.
She then urged parents to inform their office to give them the chance to answer and address the matter accordingly, adding that it would be unfair to the school’s personnel if concerns were raised without their knowledge.
Furthermore, Noveras disclosed that DepEd has directed each school that graduation rites must be solemn, simple and meaningful in that it encourages civil rights and a sense of community and personal responsibility without requiring excessive spending, extravagant attire or needing an extraordinary venue.
Each school was given a maximum P250 to spend on each graduating candidate but it must be charged to the individual school’s Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE).
However, Noveras clarified that the school should prioritize utilities expenses, such as electricity bills, before allocating funds for the graduation ceremony. (FREEMAN)