SAN PABLO CITY, Laguna – A city schools division top official here has reminded public school heads and teachers here to lead simple graduation rites and should not require extravagant special attire or extra ordinary venue for the ceremonies.
City Schools Division Superintendent Susan dL Oribiana on Monday reiterated a Department of Education directive enjoining public schools to stage graduation exercises simply and less expensive to spare parents or guardians from financial burden.
Oribiana emphasized that all public school officials and teachers should not collect any graduation fees or any kind of contribution for graduation rites and that they can use their Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) in hiring public address system.
“What we are trying to ensure is the quality education that we can give to the pupils or students,” Oribiana stressd while referring to the DepEd Secretary’s Order No. 8, Series of 2017 issued on Feb. 17, 2017.
She said that the parents, teachers, community association (PTCA), and in some cases, the Sangguniang Barangay (village council) may shoulder extra expenses such as snacks traditionally being served after the graduation ceremony.
She added that other education stakeholders, PTCA members and officers of the PTCA may solicit contributions provided this should be on a voluntary basis and cautioned teachers not to get involved in soliciting contributions as this is a breach of the government officials and employees Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards.
She said that the government has long been imposing austerity measures and the education sector is not spared of the policy, hence asking contributions is being strictly monitored while a school yearbook contribution should also be on voluntary basis.
“Graduation rites should be conducted solemnly befitting the graduating students and their parents,” Oribiana said.
A standing DepEd policy also indicates that the graduation celebration should not in any way be used as venue for political forum, especially since the barangay election is forthcoming.
However, local officials are not barred from attending the graduation rites.
The city schools division superintendent also expressed appreciation for the active support of the San Pablo city government of San Pablo to all DepEd programs and thrusts, as the local officials remain to be close partners in improving their teaching facilities. (Ruben E. Taningco/PNA)
