Completion rites of the Marigondon National Junior High School set at 4 a.m. was questioned, but the principal reasoned out that adjustment made to the school calendar for the next school year has changed the schedule of moving up and graduation ceremonies. 

A guardian of a completer vented out his frustration at not being able to escort his sister because of the schedule through his social media account.

In a phone interview, the netizen bearing the handle "Fritz Marwin" said he finds the call time too early.

Marwin has assumed the role of a guardian to his sister after their parents separated ways and that his father is out of the country for work.

Fritz also questioned as to why the school did not call a meeting of parents and guardians for consultation. 

Garvin Velos, school principal, pointed out that the schedule of the completion rites were moved several times already because of the changes in the school calendar.

The rites were scheduled initially on June 7, 2024.

However, a memorandum of the Department of Education (DepEd) instructed to have all school activities completed by end of May 2024 so teachers can take their one-month break immediately in June 2024.

For Lapu-Lapu City public schools, the schedule of completion rites is set from May 29, 2024 to May 31, 2024. 

Velos said the school sought accommodation at the Hoopsdome on May 29, 2024. But the Hoopsdome is fully booked on regular hours, so that the schedule was set earlier than usual.

Velos said that the call time was 3 a.m. but the processional started at 4 a.m. 

He also said that the program has the permission of DepEd Lapu-Lapu City Division.

In fact, he said, Dr. Irene Pilapil, Education Program supervisor of DepEd Lapu-Lapu City graced the program.

Councilor Celestino Hiyas, vice president of the parents-teachers association at Marigondon Junior High School, said that there was a meeting with parents about the schedule which negated Marwin’s claim.

DepEd 7 Director Salustiano Jimenez has ordered an inquiry into the incident. 

Although there is no specific guideline as to the time for the conduct of completion rites, the incident has to be investigated. Dr. Salustiano expressed worry about learners’ safety, saying the call time was indeed too early.

Jimenez said that was the first time completion rites were carried out at dawn. 

Marigondon Junior High School recorded a 26-percent increase in the number of completers in 2024 at 1,512 compared to last year’s 1,200.

As of posting time, Dr. Marilyn Andales, DepEd Lapu-Lapu Schools Division superintendent,  is yet to issue a statement.