DepEd-Ilocos reiterates rules on graduation, moving-up rites

MALASIQUI: An official of the Department of Education (DepEd)-Ilocos Region on Wednesday reiterated the 'no collection policy' and discounted the need for extravagant attire, venues and celebration for the graduation and moving-up ceremonies. DepEd-Ilocos Assistant Regional Director Dr. Rhoda Razon, in a briefing on Wednesday, underscored the need to comply with DepEd Memorandum No. 23, Series of 2024 for the ceremonies scheduled between May 29 to 31 for school year 2023-2024. 'Graduation and moving-up ceremonies shall be simple but meaningful,' she said. For this school year, about 101,354 Grade 12 learners are set to graduate, while 101,237 Grade 10 learners, 102,572 Grade 6 learners and 83,974 kindergarten learners will be part of the moving-up ceremony. Razon said DepEd's policy aims not to burden parents with additional expenses, and advises the school officials to use their maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) budget for any required spending. She said schools are also advised to hold th eir graduation or moving-up rites in indoor venues with proper ventilation or covered courts amid the high heat temperature being experienced in the region. 'Schools should also avoid scheduling during the time of the day when temperatures are at their highest to ensure the safety and protection of learners, teachers, and attendees,' she added. Dr. Marjorie Pudin, DepEd-Ilocos dentist, said some 281 learners and 94 teaching and non-teaching personnel in the region experienced heat cramps, 2,711 learners and 1,088 teaching and non-teaching personnel experienced heat exhaustion, and 1,678 learners and 297 teaching and non-teaching personnel had skin rashes with the onset of the hot season. Pudin said three learners and six teaching and non-teaching personnel experienced heat stroke. 'The medical health personnel immediately responded to the patients and they were given proper medical care needed so as not be hospitalized. However, a teacher from La Union, who has comorbidity since she is hypertensive, was h ospitalized but has now recovered,' she said in Filipino. Source: Philippines News Agency