DepEd Maguindanao: Graduation rites should be “simple”

COMMUNICATION --- DepEd Maguindanao I Schools Division Superintendent BaiMeriamKawit shares the importance of using “handheld radios” for communication,most especially in far-flung communities. “We use this to communicate with our teachers in the farthest areas and it is very helpful like for instance, when the communication signal is down.” (ANNE ACOSTA – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- The Department of Education (DepEd) Division of Maguindanao Ihas reminded schools to make graduation ceremonies not a burden to parents.

BaiMeriamKawit, Maguindanao District 1 Schools Division superintendent, stressed that graduation ceremonies should be simple and yet “meaningful to the students and parents.”

In this regard, Kawit explained that it still depends on the majority of the decision of parents in the school.“We understand that this is a once in a lifetime event. Should the parents would want their children to wear toga, it’s still up to them to decide. However, while these rites mark a milestone in the life of the graduates, it should be conducted without excessive spending.”

Graduation ceremonies for school year 2016 -2017 are scheduled on the first week of April.

Kawit reiterated there should be no collection of any amount for contributions before or during graduation and parents are not obliged to donate an amount to the school where their children will be graduating.

"Contributions are not mandatory or compulsory,” she said.

Though graduation rites could be held simple and meaningful, she said this encourages the endowment of civil rights, a sense of community and personal responsibility.

For school year 2016-2017, the DepEd is announcing the conduct of the following end of school year rites: graduation ceremony for Grade 6 learners who completed elementary education and are entitled to an elementary certificate; moving up to or completion of Grade 10 learners who completed junior high school and are entitled to acorresponding certificate; graduation ceremony for Grade 12 learners from schools with DepEd-approved K to 12 transition plan, or from schools with permit to operate Senior High School 2014, or from international schools with K to 12 program. Graduates are entitled to high school diploma.

The closing ceremonies, or the Moving Up, should be simple involving only the learners, the parents, and the school.

The DepEd also reiterated that non-academic projects such as attendance to field trips, film showing, junior-senior promenade, and other school events should not be imposed as requirements for graduation or completion.

Further, the DepEd is stressing the importance of collaborative efforts of the stakeholders and learners in achieving the shared vision of quality, accessible, relevant, and liberating basic education for all.

“I enjoin everyone to contribute in making our basic education services geared towards the benefit of the students in Maguindanao,” Kawit said.(GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE B. ACOSTA– MINDANAO EXPOSE’)