THE Department of Education (DepEd) ordered all public schools in the country to keep graduation rites simple, saying they must be done “without excessive spending or extravagant attire.”
“We must ensure that this milestone remains a celebration of achievement rather than a financial ordeal for our parents, especially as we navigate the economic impact of rising fuel costs,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.
“Our schools must prioritize the welfare of learners by keeping these ceremonies simple, meaningful and entirely free of unnecessary expenses,” Angara said.
DepEd Memorandum 015 prohibits collecting a contribution or fee for graduation ceremonies. The DepEd urged that the ceremonies be held in simple venues like school grounds or covered courts. The department also clarified that nonacademic activities should not be requirements for graduation.
“For public schools, all necessary expenses for the ceremonies are to be sourced from the school’s Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses funds,” the DepEd said.
About 1.9 million Grade 6 learners and 1.8 million Grade 12 learners were expected to graduate for School Year 2025–2026, the department said.
It has set all end-of-school-year activities for March 30 or 31.
