DepEd to schools: No mandatory graduation fees

Persistent complaints against alleged collection of graduation fees have prompted the Education Department to remind public elementary and high school heads regarding administrative sanctions for doing so. Department of Education (DepEd) communications unit head Kenneth Tirado said those who cannot pay graduation fees should not be barred from participating in graduation rites. "Hindi po na kapag di nakapagbayad, di makaga-graduate ang anak nila. Ina-assure namin ang mga magulang natin sa public schools na kahit walang contribution sa graduation makaga-graduate ang anak nila (We assure parents of students in public elementary and high schools that non-payment of graduation fee does not mean their children can’t graduate)," Tirado said in an interview on dzXL readio. Tirado issued the reminder after receiving several complaints from parents sent to the DepEd Action Center. He reiterated that the payment of such fees should be voluntary. A dzXL report said the action center had recorded more than 50 complaints about graduation fees. Tirado said they have relayed the complaints to the division superintendents concerned, so they can begin their inquiries. He urged parents to send their complaints to the DepEd Action Center at 6388641. Last February, then DepEd Secretary Jesli Lapus ordered schools to keep graduation rites for Batch 2010, fee- and politico-free. DepEd, in Order No. 13, also ordered the schools to keep their graduation rites solemn yet simple and austere. He said the rites should be as simple as possible, especially due to difficulties brought about by recent natural calamities. In accordance with the order, the use of contributions is to be coordinated with and properly reported to the Parents Teachers Association, adding that no non-academic project will be imposed as a requirement for graduation. He also warned against extravagance in graduation rites, saying, "No extraordinary venue for ceremonies should be required." He encouraged having graduation rites in school premises and discouraged use of special attires for the ceremonies. While wearing togas are allowed, "only the actual cost of rental of togas [will be shouldered] by the graduating class," he said. Lapus also stressed that contributions for the annual yearbook will be on a voluntary basis only. — LBG/RSJ, GMANews.TV