To:  Bureau Directors
Regional Directors
Schools Division/City Superintendents
Heads, Public and Private Elementary and Secondary Schools

1. The 2012 Graduation Rites shall focus on the theme “Your Gift of Learning, Our Tool for Nation Building or Ang Alay Ninyong Kaaalaman, Gamit Namin sa Pag-unlad ng Bayan.” It shall be scheduled either on March 28 or 29, 2012.
2. In line with the government’s austerity program, this Department reiterates its policy on the conduct and collection of fees for the graduation rites as contained in DepEd Order No. 8, s. 2005, to wit:a. Public school heads (SHs), teachers and other DepEd personnel are not allowed to collect any graduation fees or any kind of contribution for the graduation rites;
   b. PTAs may give donations in cash or in kind for the graduation ceremonies and celebrations;
   c. No non-academic projects shall be imposed as requirements for graduation;
   d. No extravagant special attire or extraordinary venue for the ceremonies should be required.
   e. Graduation rites should not be exercised in splurging and display of pomp and pageantry but should be Spartan affairs which exhort civic duties, sense of community and personal responsibilities and should be memorable, exciting and animated without baggage of extra cost and excessive spending; and
   f. Contributions for the annual yearbook shall be on a voluntary basis.
3. Furthermore, the graduation rites should be conducted in an appropriate solemn ceremony befitting the graduating students and their parents and shall not be used for political forum.
4. Immediate dissemination of and strict compliance with this Order is directed.

References:
DepEd Order: Nos.: 4, 7 and 13, s. 2011; and (No. 8, s. 2005)

To be indicated in the Perpetual Index under the following subjects:
CONTRIBUTION
GRADUATION
POLICY

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