EDITORIAL - Of politicians and graduation rites

As the school year comes to a close, teachers and students are now busy preparing for graduation rites. Although graduation is one of the most memorable parts of the life of a student, school authorities have discouraged lavish ceremonies in line with the present economic difficulties.

But aside from their calls for schools to refrain from holding sumptuous graduation rites, Department of Education officials are also concerned about politicians taking advantage of graduation ceremonies to promote their candidacies.

In his recent visit to Cebu, DepEd Secretary Jesli Lapus appealed to political candidates to respect graduation rites. It is election season and Lapus is afraid that politicians might use school activities as venue to campaign.

While the department does not bar politicians from attending graduation ceremonies, especially if they are invited to speak, Lapus stressed that they must see to it they speak something that inspire the students.

But it's hard for politicians, the Education chief admitted, to succumb to his appeal. "Graduation should not be a political event but on the practical side that will be hard to implement," he said.  

Well, ever since the country learned to hold political elections, visiting schools had already formed part of candidates' campaign schedules. Besides, schools have become politically aware that it's normal for them to play host to many candidates during campaign period.

There's really nothing wrong with politicians visiting schools to campaign. They are free to display their political platform anywhere, even in religious places, for as long as they are welcomed by their hosts.

But it's another story during graduation rites. Since it is the most precious moment of graduating students, Lapus was right in his appeal that it must be observed with solemnity, away from the dirty tactics of politics.

Guest politicians should see to it that their speeches will dwell on issues that would encourage the students as they move on to face a more challenging future. But if they could not resist the urge to use the event to campaign and go on with their political bashing, they are tainting the sacredness of the moment, denying future leaders a chance to paint them as role model.