Simple Lang, Walang Pilitan: DepEd Tells Schools to Keep Graduation Costs Down
The Department of Education wants this year’s graduation rites to stay meaningful without turning into a gastos problem for families. DepEd reminded public schools nationwide to keep ceremonies simple and avoid excessive spending, especially habang ramdam pa rin ng maraming households ang taas ng fuel-related expenses.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara said graduation should remain a celebration of student achievement, not a financial burden for parents. He emphasized that schools should focus on learner welfare and strip away unnecessary extras that usually make end-of-school-year activities more expensive than they need to be.
Under DepEd Memorandum 015, public schools are not allowed to collect contributions or fees for graduation ceremonies. The department also encouraged schools to use practical venues such as school grounds or covered courts instead of pricier locations that can pressure families to spend more.
DepEd further clarified that nonacademic activities cannot be imposed as a requirement for graduation. Any necessary expenses for the ceremonies in public schools should come from the school’s Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses funds, not from last-minute solicitations to parents.
The department said around 1.9 million Grade 6 learners and 1.8 million Grade 12 learners are expected to graduate for School Year 2025–2026, with end-of-school-year activities scheduled for March 30 or 31. So yes, milestone pa rin ito — pero ang point ni DepEd, puwedeng simple, maayos, at hindi mabigat sa bulsa.
