COTABATO CITY – The Cotabato City schools division office here of the Department of Education is reminding parents, teachers and school administrators to observe simplicity and prudence in the conduct of graduation ceremonies for school year 2017-2018.
Dr. Concepcion Ferrer-Balawag, Cotabato City schools division superintendent, emphasized Department of Education Order No. 25 series of 2017 that prescribes guidelines on closing exercises or programs scheduled between April 2 and April 6.
Speaking over a local radio station, Balawag said it was clearly stated in the department order that is prohibiting extravagant attire, extra ordinary venue or making graduation rites an opportunity for political leaders to speak, politicizing the event.
“We can have a simple but meaningful graduation exercises,” Balawag said as she appealed to parents and teachers to comply religiously with the department of order.
Instead of focusing on extravagant moving up or graduation rites, Balawag urged teachers to focus more on teaching values to children like simplicity and penny-pinching.
She explained that all expenses for graduation exercises shall be charged to school’s maintenance and operating expenses and not on contributions from parents, including souvenirs.
Any contribution for the annual yearbook should be extremely voluntarily, she said, adding that moving up exercises for kindergarten may be done inside the classroom.
This year’s graduation has for its theme: “Mag-aaral ng K to 12: Handa sa Hamon ng Buhay (K to 12 Learners: Ready to Face Life’s Challenges),” highlighting the role of K to 12 Basic Education Program in harnessing skills and competence of Filipino child learners. (PNA)
