To: Bureau Directors
Regional Directors
Schools Superintendents
Presidents, State Colleges and Universities
Heads of Private Schools, Colleges and Universities
Vocational School Superintendents/Administrators

1. Of late, this Office has received complaints from parents and students about contributions proposed by principals and teacher advisers of graduating classes in public and private schools, colleges and universities.
2. In view hereof and given the present economic exigency, the field is hereby reminded once more to observe utmost simplicity in school commencement exercises and related activities, as provided in MECS Order No. 12, s. 1984.
3. In this connection, all officials concerned, particularly superintendents and principals, and teachers are hereby enjoined to comply with the following measures:
   1. Have the graduating pupils and high school students wear their school uniform during the graduation program unless the class and their parents by a ¾ vote, favor rented togas which, it is alleged, is a cheaper arrangement than buying new clothes. Measures should be taken to have all the graduating students and public attend this memorable activity in their lives.
   2. Venue for the exercises should be selected on the basis of economy, preferably, the school premises should be the choice.
   3. No graduating pupil or student should be compelled to pay graduation fees which he/she cannot afford. This includes the requirement of individual and/or class pictures. School annuals are prohibited, unless these are paid out of advertisement fees.
   4. Pupils/students who will not attend the exercises shall not be made to pay any graduation exercise fee, provided they inform beforehand the administration of the graduation class of their inability to pay the required fees.
   5. Deliver grades and diploma and other credentials not only to those who attended but also to those who were unable to join, immediately when requested. Non-attendance in the graduation exercises and non-payment of graduation fees should not be reasons for withholding grades, diplomas and other school credentials when asked for by a graduate.
4. Strict compliance by all concerned is desired.

Reference: MECS Order No. 12, s. 1984
Allotment: 1-2-3-4—(D.O. 1-76)

To be indicated in the Perpetual Index under the following subjects:
GRADUATION
OFFICIALS
PUBLICATIONS
PUPILS
RULES AND REGULATIONS
SCHOOLS
SOCIETY OR ASSOCIATIONS
STUDENTS
UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES

DO_s1985_16