ILOILO City – Public elementary and secondary schools in Western Visayas are directed to hold their End-of-School-Year (EOSY) rites in a simple yet meaningful manner, according to a reminder issued by the Department of Education (DepEd).
The ceremonies, which include graduation and moving-up rites for Kindergarten, Grade 6, Grade 10, Grade 12, and Alternative Learning System (ALS) completers, are scheduled on April 14 and 15. This year’s theme is “Henerasyon ng Pagkakaisa: Kaagapay sa Bagong Pilipinas” (Generation of Unity: Partners for the New Philippines), highlighting the role of the youth in building a progressive and united nation.
DepEd’s Secretary Sonny Angara, through Memorandum No. 027, Series of 2025, stressed that graduation activities must avoid extravagant spending, luxurious attire, and lavish venues. The same memorandum was echoed by DepEd Region 6 under Regional Director Ramir Uytico to all Schools Division Offices (SDOs).
“Graduation and moving-up ceremonies shall be conducted without excessive spending, extravagant attire, or extraordinary venues,” reiterated DepEd-6 information officer Hernani Escullar Jr.
“No DepEd personnel shall collect any kind of contributions or fees, in adherence to the ‘No Collection Policy’ in all public elementary and secondary schools,” he added.
In light of the upcoming May 12, 2025 national and local elections, the memorandum also enforces a strict prohibition against electioneering or partisan political activity. This applies to all DepEd officials, teaching, and non-teaching personnel, pursuant to Department Order No. 048, Series of 2018.
Escullar emphasized that ceremonies must not be used as political platforms.
“Most invited speakers are school alumni who have shown exemplary achievements in the community,” he noted, adding that schools may seek guidance from their respective City or Municipal Election Offices for any clarifications regarding political neutrality.
To ensure safety and comfort, especially under extreme heat conditions, schools are encouraged to conduct ceremonies indoors, in properly ventilated venues or covered courts. Activities must also be scheduled during cooler times of the day to prevent heat-related incidents.
Further guidelines from DepEd-6 include:
* Food Safety – If parents or guardians contribute food for post-ceremony gatherings, proper food handling must be observed to avoid contamination and potential food poisoning.
* Safety Coordination – Schools are advised to coordinate with barangay officials and tanods to manage traffic and ensure the safety of students and parents crossing roads near schools.
* Post-Ceremony Protocol – All participants must vacate school premises immediately after the ceremony to signal the start of the learners’ vacation period.
* Clean-up and Disposal – Leftover food should be properly disposed of to prevent pest infestation.
* Fire Prevention – School personnel must ensure that all electrical appliances such as lights and electric fans are turned off before leaving the premises.
Other key points reiterated in the memorandum:
* Attendance in non-academic events such as field trips, film showings, or prom nights shall not be required for graduation or completion, as per DepEd Order No. 66, s. 2017.
* Public schools may charge expenses to their Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) funds, in compliance with existing DepEd policies.
* The certificate and diploma formats must follow the Department’s official visual identity manual outlined in DO 031, s. 2019.
* All learners, including transferees, who meet the standards set in DO 36, s. 2016 on awards and recognition, shall be duly acknowledged./PN
