The Department of Education (DepEd) has released important DepEd graduation guidelines 2025 for all public and private schools in the Philippines. These rules cover the end-of-school-year rites 2025 for Kindergarten, Grade 6, Grade 10, Grade 12, and ALS (Alternative Learning System) learners.
If you’re a student, parent, or teacher, here’s a simple and complete explanation of what you need to know based on DepEd Memorandum No. 027, s. 2025.
📅 When Are the Graduation and Moving-Up Ceremonies?
According to the DepEd order, the school year will end on April 15, 2025. Schools are advised to schedule the graduation and moving-up ceremonies on April 14 or 15, 2025.
🏫 Who Can Join the Rites?
All learners who have completed their grade level and passed the requirements can join the end-of-school-year rites 2025. This includes:
- Kindergarten students
- Grade 6 completers
- Grade 10 completers
- Grade 12 graduates
- ALS learners who meet the criteria
Transfer students can also join if they meet DepEd’s requirements stated in DO 36, s. 2016.
🎓 What Is the Theme for 2025 Ceremonies?
The theme for this year is:
“Henerasyon ng Pagkakaisa: Kaagapay sa Bagong Pilipinas”
(Generation of Unity: Partners for the New Philippines)
This theme reminds students and teachers of the importance of unity, cooperation, and working together for a better future. It highlights the role of the youth in building a stronger Philippines.
💰 Can Schools Ask for Graduation Fees?
No. Absolutely not.
DepEd strictly says:
“No DepEd personnel shall be allowed to collect any kind of contribution or fee for the Graduation/Moving-Up Ceremonies.”
All expenses must come from the school’s MOOE (Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses). So if a teacher or school official asks for payment, that is against the rule.
🎉 What Should the Ceremony Be Like?
DepEd wants these ceremonies to be simple but meaningful. They should celebrate students’ success without:
- Expensive clothing
- Fancy or large venues
- Asking money from students or parents
- Extravagant stage designs or decorations
Schools should focus on the meaning of the milestone, not the look of the event.
🚫 Are Extra-Curricular Projects Required for Graduation?
No. DepEd says activities like field trips, film showings, and JS proms are not required for graduation or completion. These are optional and should not be connected to whether a student can graduate.
💡 Where Should the Event Be Held?
To protect students from the summer heat, schools are encouraged to hold their EoSY rites in indoor venues or covered courts with proper ventilation. They should avoid scheduling the rites at noon or early afternoon when the sun is hottest.
📜 What About the Certificates?
The certificate of completion and diploma must follow DepEd’s standard format found in DO 031, s. 2019. This ensures that all certificates look official and meet national guidelines.
🗳️ DepEd Staff and Politics
DepEd also reminds its staff not to get involved in political activities during the ceremonies. Teachers and officials are not allowed to:
- Promote any political candidate
- Wear political colors or shirts
- Talk about political matters during the event
This protects the neutrality and focus of the ceremonies.
📌 Summary of the Most Important Points:
| Rule | Description |
|---|---|
| 📅 Ceremony Dates | April 14–15, 2025 |
| 💰 No Fees | Schools cannot collect graduation or moving-up fees |
| 🎓 Simple Events | Avoid large spending or fancy venues |
| 🧾 Certificates | Must follow DepEd standard format |
| ❌ No Political Acts | Teachers can’t promote political agendas during the event |
| ☀️ Safety | Events should be held in safe, shaded, or indoor areas |
| 🚫 Not Required | Field trips, JS Prom, etc. not needed for graduation |
📞 Who to Contact for Questions?
If you still have questions, you can contact:
Bureau of Learning Delivery
4th Floor, Bonifacio Building, DepEd Central Office
📧 [email protected]
📞 (02) 8637-4346 or 8537-4347
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there a fee for graduation or moving-up ceremonies?
No. DepEd says no one should be asked to pay for graduation. All costs must be paid by the school using its budget.
Can we hold our ceremony in a hotel or resort?
DepEd advises against using expensive venues. Ceremonies should be held in school grounds or simple venues to keep costs low.
What should students wear?
Keep it simple. Students can wear their school uniforms or a plain white shirt, depending on what the school allows.
Can the ceremony be done online?
DepEd encourages in-person ceremonies if possible but always prioritizes health and safety. In extreme conditions, online events may be allowed.
Can teachers or school officials endorse political candidates during the event?
No. All DepEd personnel are strictly banned from doing any political activity during graduation or moving-up ceremonies.
These DepEd graduation guidelines 2025 help make sure all students are celebrated fairly and meaningfully. It also protects parents from being forced to spend money they don’t have. The focus should always be on the students’ hard work and the meaning of their achievements—not on the venue or the clothes.
As a parent, student, or teacher, knowing these rules can help you prepare and enjoy the occasion with less stress and more pride.
Let’s keep graduation simple, sincere, and special.
Read the DepEd Memoradum No. 027, s. 2025 for more details.
