The Department of Education (DepEd) in Ilocos Region has reiterated its call for simple graduation and moving up ceremonies.
“Even though we are not yet experiencing the crisis we are about to face, the officials in the Central Office have a mandate to the school officials to conduct the graduation of the students in the simplest way possible yet meaningful and historical,” said DepEd-Ilocos Region assistant director Rhoda Razon in an online conference on Tuesday.
She said while voluntary contributions are allowed, compulsory or mandatory collections are prohibited.
Razon added that students who are moving up in their grade level should wear their school uniform during the ceremony.
Ma. Teresa Bautista, Chief Education Supervisor Field Technical Assistance Division, cited DepEd Memo No. 15, Series of 2026 released on March 4 this year, giving guidelines on the year-end activities, including graduation and recognition activities.
“Graduation and Moving-Up Ceremonies shall be simple yet meaningful. While these rites mark a milestone in learners’ lives, they shall be conducted without excessive spending, extravagant attire, or extraordinary venues,” the memo read.
It stated that non-academic projects such as attendance at field trips, film showings, Junior-Senior promenade, and other school events, shall not be imposed as graduation or completion requirements.
“It should be simple but meaningful. Avoid extravagant spending during graduation. We call on all parents to be prepared for their children’s graduation,” she said.
Based on DepEd Ilocos Region’s data, there are an estimated 84,180 students to graduate from elementary education, 86,291 in Junior High School, and 94,360 in Senior High School in the region for this school year. (PNA)