DepEd warns: No political activities during graduation

Public schools are not allowed to engage in partisan political activities nor campaign for candidates during graduation and moving-up ceremonies, the Department of Education warned.

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DepEd officials said teaching and non-teaching personnel are prohibited from engaging in electioneering or partisan political activity amid the upcoming midterm polls in May, per Memorandum 27 signed on March 21 by Education Secretary Sonny Angara.

Violators could face penalties, the agency said.

Excessive spending, extravagant attires or renting extraordinary venues should be avoided in conducting the rites, the DepEd said.

Expenses for graduation and moving-up rites should be charged to schools’ operating expenses and no contributions or fees must be collected, the agency noted.

End-of-school-year rites have been scheduled on April 14 to 15 for kindergarten, Grade 6, 10 and 12 students, as well as those in the Alternative Learning System.

In anticipation of intense heat waves, the DepEd reminded schools to hold rites in indoor venues with proper ventilation to avoid exposure to intense sunlight.