DepEd execs bar poll bets as graduation rite speakers

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – Education officials ordered school administrators against inviting candidates as speakers in graduation ceremonies.

“We encourage school principals and directors to invite speakers who are alumni of their schools and can inspire and motivate the graduates... Refrain from inviting candidates who may use the event to campaign,” said Darius Nieto, project development officer of the Department of Education (DepEd) in the Ilocos region. 

DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro said graduation rites should be simple but meaningful. 

In Department Order 7, DepEd said graduation ceremonies should focus on this year’s theme ”Kabataang Mula K to 12, Tagapagdala ng Kaunlaran sa Bansang Pilipinas.”

“DepEd reiterates a no collection policy of graduation fees or contribution,” Nieto added.

A department order issued on Feb. 15, states that instead of the usual graduation for high school students, Grade 10 students shall attend a moving up completion ceremony.

There shall be a graduation ceremony for Grade 12 students, it added.