Graduation Ceremonies: No More Masks or Distancing Required

The Department of Education has announced that social distancing and face mask mandates will no longer be required during graduation and moving-up ceremonies at public elementary and high schools. According to a department order issued on March 28 and made public on Friday, Education Secretary and Vice President Sara Duterte stated that adherence to physical distancing and face mask wearing will no longer be compulsory during in-person end-of-school year (EOSY) celebrations.

Public schools have been given the green light to conduct their moving-up and graduation ceremonies between July 10 and 14 this year. The theme for this year’s EOSY events is “K to 12 Graduates: Molded through a Resilient Educational Foundation,” emphasizing the success of students’ education in the face of adversity.

In her directive, Duterte emphasized the importance of avoiding excessive spending, ostentatious clothing, and extravagant venues for EOSY events. She also reaffirmed the policy that moving-up or graduation ceremonies should be conducted in a dignified manner that honors the students and their families and should not serve as a platform for political discussion.

The guidelines also stipulate that no Department of Education personnel are permitted to collect any form of contribution or fee for graduation or moving-up events. Expenses associated with EOSY celebrations will be covered by public schools’ maintenance and operating expenses or the Alternative Learning System program support funds.

Graduation ceremonies will take place for students completing Grade 6 and 12, while moving-up ceremonies will be held for those finishing Kindergarten and Grade 10.