Legazpi City – The Regional Director of DepEd Bicol has reminded all the Schools Division Superintendents of a simple and meaningful graduation rites for S.Y. 2016-2017.

RD Abcede stressed that graduation rites must be conducted without excessive spending, extravagant attire, or expensive venue.  Citing the provisions of the No Collection Policy of DepEd, he said that no mandatory collections must be made in any activities related to graduation or moving-up ceremonies.

He also advised the different schools division in Bicol to refrain from imposing requirements which are non-academic especially those activities that will cause additional burden to the graduating students.

RD Abcede also stressed that school clearances are no longer required from the pupils and students as a requirement for graduation or closing ceremonies. “It should be clear to all that school clearance is not a requirement for graduation, moving up ceremony or for the closing exercises,” he said.

In addition, all the school heads were directed by RD Abcede to immediately hand out certificates of graduation or certificates of completion to all the students. He advised to hand these credentials onstage during the graduation or moving up ceremonies.

Meanwhile, Assistant Regional Director Tolentino G. Aquino reiterated during the Regional Management Committee Meeting in Masbate last Feb 27-28, 2017 the contents of the Department Order 8, s. 2017 issued by the Central Office which covers the conduct of the End of School Year Rites for School Year 2016-2017.

Based from the school calendar of DepED, the graduation ceremonies for public schools must be held on or before April 7, 2017 and will focus on the theme “Sabay-Sabay na Hakbang Tungo sa Maunlad na Kinabukasan.”

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