Masking, distancing no longer mandatory in graduation rites
Credit to Author: Janvic Mateo| Date: Sat, 1 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0800
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) has lifted the mandatory social distancing and wearing of face masks during graduation and moving-up ceremonies in public elementary and high schools.
In a department order dated March 28 and released on Friday, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte said that “observance of physical distancing and wearing of face mask shall not be mandatory” in the annual conduct of full in-person end-of-school year (EOSY) rites.
This year, public schools may hold their moving up and graduation ceremonies between July 10 and 14.
This year’s EOSY rites shall focus on the theme, “K to 12 Graduates: Molded through a Resilient Educational Foundation,” which further highlights that every student’s achievement “mirrors an education that succeeds amid all difficulties.”
Duterte, in her order, reiterated the agency’s policy discouraging excessive spending, extravagant attire and extraordinary venue for the EOSY rites.
She reiterated a previous policy stating that “moving up or graduating rites shall be conducted in an appropriate solemn ceremony befitting the graduating students and their family, and shall not be used as a political forum.”
“No DepEd personnel shall be allowed to collect any kind of contribution or graduation/moving up fee,” the guidelines added.
Expenses related to EOSY rites shall be charged against public schools’ maintenance and other operating expenses or the Alternative Learning System program support funds.
Graduation rites will be held for Grade 6 and 12 completers, while moving up ceremonies will be for Kindergarten and Grade 10 completers. — Rhodina Villanueva