DepEd: No political activities during graduation, moving-up ceremonies

The Department of Education (DepEd) reminded schools not to engage in any electioneering or partisan political activities during the graduation and moving-up ceremonies for School Year 2024-2025.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara issued Department Memorandum No. 27 s. 2025, reminding all DepEd officials, teaching and non-teaching personnel that they are prohibited from such political activities, in accordance with existing policies.

These policies included Department Order (DO) 48 s. 2018 on Prohibition on Electioneering and Partisan Political Activity, and DO 47 s. 2022 on Promotion of Professionalism in the Implementation and Delivery of Basic Education Programs and Services, and its amendments through DO 49 s. 2022.

DepEd has set the end of school year (EOSY) 2024-2025 rites on April 14-15, for Kindergarten, Grade 6, Grade 10, and Grade 12, as well as Alternative Learning System (ALS) learners who satisfactorily meet the curriculum requirements.

The agency likewise reiterated that graduation and moving-up ceremonies should be "simple but meaningful” and be conducted without excessive spending, extravagant attire, or extraordinary venues.

No DepEd personnel shall also be allowed to collect any kind of contribution or fee for these ceremonies. All related expenses shall be charged to the school’s maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE).

Schools were also advised to hold their EOSY rites in indoor venues with proper ventilation or covered courts to avoid exposure to extreme heat and to refrain from scheduling the activities during the time of the day when temperatures are at their highest.

Next chapter

In his EOSY rites message, Angara also congratulated all the graduates and completers of SY 2024-2025.

“You are the generation that binds all of us together. As you step into the next chapter of your lives, bring with you the values of perseverance, resourcefulness, and compassion that define us as Filipinos,” he said.

The Education chief pointed out that the DepEd is doing the groundwork for a future-ready education system in the country. He also reaffirmed commitment to raising the quality of education, strengthening governance, and ensuring that the youth reach their full potential.

“Our goal is not just about an uptick in numbers. Our goal is for every Filipino child, no matter where they are, to have the opportunity for learning, growth, and success,” he added. —VAL, GMA Integrated News

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