DepEd bans collection of graduation fees

The Department of Education (DepEd) has once again issued an order to public elementary and high schools nationwide, banning the collection of graduation fees or any kind of contribution for ceremonies.

Education Undersecretary Fe Hidalgo, DepEd officer-in-charge, said Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) and Parent-Teacher Community Associations (PTCAs) may still solicit "voluntary" contributions from their members for graduation ceremonies and celebrations.

However, teachers and principals should not be involved in the collection of these contributions, she stressed.

Use of such contributions for graduation shall be coordinated with and properly reported to PTA and PTCA members.

Hidalgo said no non-academic project shall be imposed as a requirement for graduation.

Also, no extravagant special attire or extraordinary venue for the ceremonies should be required. Contributions for the annual yearbook shall likewise be on a voluntary basis.

Hidalgo advised schools that the 2006 graduation rites shall focus on the theme, "Crossing the Thresholds: From Learning the Basics to Learning for Life."

Hidalgo directed these schools for the strict compliance of the said order.

Every year, the DepEd issues orders reiterating austerity measures to be followed by public elementary and high schools as well as an advisory to private schools nationwide.– Sandy Araneta