For the systematic and orderly conduct of graduation exercises and Moving Up Ceremonies on April 2-6, 2018 as stated in DepEd Order No. 25, s. 2017 re: School Calendar for 2017-2018 and DepEd Order No. 06, s. 2018 re: School Year 2017-2018 K to 12 Basic Education Program End of School Rites, the following reminders are hereby reiterated:
- The 2018 graduation rites shall focus on the theme: “Mag-aaral ng K to 12: Handa sa Hamon ng Buhay” (K to 12 Learners: Ready to Face Life’s Challenges).
- In line with the government’s austerity program, public schools are NOT ALLOWED to collect any graduation fees or any kind of contributions for graduation rites. However, school heads may charge from the MOOE only necessary and reasonable graduation expenses.
- As much as possible, the venue should be within the school premises. No extravagant special attire for the ceremonies, should be required.
- SGOD and CID personnel shall be monitoring the said activity in order to ensure the quality and solemnity of the program.
- Pursuant to DepEd Order No. 25, s. 2017, the last day of classes for School Year 2017-2018 will be on April 6, 2018. Please be guided of the following schedule, to wit:
- Checking of Forms for Graduating Students – March 21-23, 2018.
- Checking of Forms for Non-Graduating Students – March 26-28, April 1-2, 2018
- Moving Up Ceremonies & Graduation Rites – April 2-6, 2018
- Distribution of Cards – April 10, 2018
- Schedule of Moving Up or Completion of Kindergarten and Grade 10 shall be the discretion of the school heads provided that it is done within the specified dates (from April 2-6, 2018).
- The conduct of the commencement exercises, the suggested script for the Master of Ceremonies, presentation and confirmation of graduates are enclosed for reference purposes.
THE CONDUCT OF COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES IN THE ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS
To ensure a solemn and systematic conduct of the commence exercises, the following reminders are issued for the guidance of all concerned.
- School Heads shall observe austerity and simplicity on the conduct of the graduation program.
- Graduation rites shall be held with solemnity and dignity.
- For schools without covered courts, graduation programs shall be held early enough to avoid exposure of graduates and audience to the extreme heat of the sun and shall not extend up to or beyond lunch time or dinner time. However, for schools with covered courts and halls, graduation may be done any time of the day between 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- A good sound system should be provided for the program. Contingencies for brownouts should also be provided.
- Attendance of teachers and school officials is required. They are enjoined to wear appropriate clothes for the occasion.
- In the processional, the lower section shall enter first, occupying the last rows of the seats and the highest section to enter last occupying the front rows of the seats. After all the other graduates have entered, graduates with honors together with their parents shall enter and take the seats reserved for them in front of the stage.
- The master of ceremonies should official acknowledge the presence of guests, government officials, and PTA officers before the graduating class is presented. In no case shall the numbers of the program be interrupted to announce the arrival of late guests. They shall be acknowledged after the Pledge of Loyalty of the graduates.
- The master of ceremonies should strictly follow the script for the graduation program. No unnecessary ad-libs.
- No intermission numbers (songs, dance numbers, etcs.) should be included in the program.
- Female high school graduates should avoid heavy make-up and female elementary school graduates should be advised not to have make-up at all.
- The distribution of certificates/diplomas shall start with the lowest section of the graduating class going up the stage first, with Section 1 pupils/students as the last to receive their certificates/diplomas.
- The respective class advisers shall call out from a prepared list of the names of the graduating students, first name first as they go up the stage to receive their diplomas.
- Only the academic awards for the graduating honor pupils/students shall be given during the graduation program. Other awards and prizes including scholarships from NGOs shall be awarded during the Recognition Day Program.
- The practice of the graduation songs should be done during the MAPEH classes to avoid disruption in the schedule of other classes.
- Rehearsals of the parts of the graduation program, particularly the processional, going up an down the stage, receiving of diplomas and recessional shall be held a week before graduation. Classes should not be disrupted for this activity.
- Graduation rites in Secondary Schools (SHS Grade 12), and Moving Up (Grade 10) will be in English. On the other hand, the graduation rites in Elementary Schools will be in Filipino.
- Nobody shall sit on the stage, Division Officials and guests shall occupy the seats in front of the stage.
- One of the pupils/students with High Honors/May Mataas na Karangalan shall lead the prayer and the other one with the Highest Honor/May Pinakamataas na Karangalan shall delivery the Farewell Message. The speeches should be edited and not longer than four (4) paragraphs. For the elementary, they should be written in Filipino, for the secondary (Senior High School) they should be in English.
- The foregoing reminders should be disseminated to all parents, teachers and graduates.
- The program shall be a one-page printed or mimeographed materials and should be in Filipino for the elementary and in English for the secondary. The list of graduating students shall be inserted in the school program.
- Only the Secretary of Education, the Mayor and the Congressman of the District or their representative shall delivery messages. Other government officials and guests may be invited to distribute diplomas and shake hands with the graduates as they descend the stage.
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