By Saul Pa-a/ PNA
SAN PABLO CITY, Laguna –– As the campaign season heats up, a Department of Education (DepEd) city schools division official here has reiterated that graduation rites should not be used as venue for political forum.
Dr. Ludy Pasagui, the city’s Schools Division Superintendent, reminded public school officials and teachers here on the standing DepEd’s Order 002 series of 2019 stipulating the prohibition.
“Since the mid-term poll is forthcoming, candidates should not be invited as graduation speakers. However, local officials are not barred from attending the graduation rites, but these invitees should not be requested to deliver short political campaign messages,” Pasagui said over the weekend.
She also underscored the need for graduation rites to be “simple and less expensive” to unburden the parents financially, calling on public school heads and teachers not to collect any graduation fees or any kind of contribution for graduation rites.
“What we are trying to ensure is the quality education that we can give to the pupils or students and not to splurge on the occasion through solicitation as this is prohibited,” Pasagui stressed, pointing to the government’s policy in observing austerity measures.
She noted that solicitation by teachers and school staff of contributions are being strictly monitored.
Pasagui clarified that the Parents-Teachers Community Association (PTCA) and in some cases, the Sangguniang Barangay, may shoulder extra expenses, such as snacks that are traditionally served after the graduation ceremony.
She added the other education stakeholders, members and officers of the PTCA, may solicit contributions on voluntary basis, but not public school teachers and DepEd personnel, as this is prohibited under the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
Pasagui also stressed that schools should not require extravagant attire or extraordinary venue for the ceremonies, and contribution for the school yearbook is voluntary.
“Graduation rites should be conducted within bounds of solemnity for the occasion befitting the graduating students and their parents,” she added.
