Camille Naredo

Vivian, a young woman graduating this year poses for her boyfriend as he takes pictures of her with the cityscape in the background as seen from Antipolo City, March 19, 2019.

Vivian, a young woman graduating this year poses for her boyfriend as he takes pictures of her with the cityscape in the background as seen from Antipolo City, March 19, 2019. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

GRADUATE

Francis Orcio

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday has directed all public schools nationwide to hold simple, meaningful, and frugal graduation and moving-up ceremonies for School Year 2025–2026, as families grapple with rising fuel and commodity prices.In Memorandum No. 015, series of 2026, the agency mandated that rites, from kindergarten to senior high school, including Alternative Learning System (ALS) learners, must be conducted without unnecessary expenses, extravagant attire, or mandatory contributions.Ceremonies are scheduled between March 30 and 31, following the final week of classes and examinations.Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the policy aligns with the directive of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ease the financial burden on Filipino families.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/23/ph-seeing-price-disruption-not-oil-crisis-palace-says-despite-forming-crisis-committee-1140">Palace: PH seeing ‘price disruption,’ not oil crisis’</a></div>“We must ensure that this milestone remains a celebration of achievement rather than a financial ordeal for our parents, especially as we navigate the economic impact of rising fuel costs,” Angara said.“Our schools must prioritize the welfare of learners by keeping these ceremonies simple, meaningful, and entirely free of unnecessary expenses,” he added.DepEd reiterated that no fees or contributions may be collected for graduation rites and that participation must not depend on a learner’s ability to pay. Schools are also encouraged to use existing facilities such as school grounds or covered courts to avoid costly venue rentals, with expenses charged to Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE).In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Undersecretary Carmela Oracion emphasized that the guidelines aim to preserve the significance of the milestone while preventing financial strain on families. “Gusto natin manigurado na ang ating graduation rights or moving up rights or completion rights remain to be simple, meaningful, and free from unnecessary expenses. Alam naman natin na ang araw na ‘yan ay napakamahalaga. Whether it&#x27;s a kindergarten moving up day or a grade 12 graduation day, sobrang halaga niyan doon sa learner himself or herself at saka doon sa kanyang pamilya, ‘di ba?” Oracion said.DepEd said ALS learners who meet curriculum requirements will also participate in the ceremonies, which will follow the same standards but be held in their respective learning centers as part of the agency’s commitment to inclusive education.Oracion underscored that while graduation remains a deeply valued tradition in Filipino families, spending on attire and celebrations should be kept to a minimum. “Iyong mga karagdagang palamuti, siguro bagong damit, medyas o sapatos ay hindi kinakailangan para ma-celebrate ang araw na ito,” she said.She also called on school heads and teachers to explain the guidelines to learners and model simplicity, noting that educators play a key role in shaping attitudes toward modest celebrations.This year’s graduation theme, “Filipino Graduates: Prepared to Lead with Competence and Character,” highlights not only academic achievement but also values formation.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/23/new-3-term-school-year-breaks-calendar-into-three-blocks-to-cut-disruptions-1557">New 3-term school year breaks calendar into three blocks to cut disruptions</a></div>No additional national-level graduation events are planned, as schools focus on completing the academic year.Meanwhile, DepEd assured the public that ceremonies will remain face-to-face, with contingency measures in place if needed. Schools have been advised to prioritize safety, particularly amid the hot and dry weather typical of March.Oracion said schools should hold rites in indoor or well-ventilated venues and ensure that students, teachers, and guests stay hydrated.She added that health precautions learned during the pandemic, such as wearing masks when necessary, may still be applied.Nationwide, around 1.9 million Grade 6 learners and 1.8 million Grade 12 students are expected to graduate this year.

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday has directed all public schools nationwide to hold simple, meaningful, and frugal graduation and moving-up ceremonies for School Year 2025–2026, as families grapple with rising fuel and commodity prices.

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday has directed all public schools nationwide to hold simple, meaningful, and frugal graduation and moving-up ceremonies for School Year 2025–2026, as families grapple with rising fuel and commodity prices.

DepEd orders simple, meaningful graduation rites amid rising fuel prices

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DepEd orders simple, meaningful graduation rites amid rising fuel prices

Francis Orcio,

ABS-CBN News

Published March 23, 2026 06:20 PM PHT

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