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| Physical End-of-School-Year rites will be permitted by the Department of Education for schools in Alert Levels 1 and 2. Photo: DepEd Philippines/Facebook |
The Department of Education (DepEd) has determined that physical End-of-School-Year (EOSY) rites will be permitted in schools located in Alert Level 1 and 2 areas.
Announced during Friday's EduAksyon Press Conference, DepEd said that limited face-to-face graduation will be permitted for schools in Alert Level 1 and 2 areas, after consultation with the LGU, schools, and CLCs and strict adherence to IATF protocols.
"With the continuous downward trend of COVID-19 cases and easing of restrictions, we are allowing the conduct of limited face-to-face (F2F) and virtual graduation, depending on the alert level status in each region," Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones said.
For schools in Alert Levels 3, 4, and 5, the Department of Education stated that it would only permit virtual EOSY rites. Schools may live stream the virtual EOSY rites via a suitable social media platform.
Schools nationwide are scheduled to conduct EOSY rites from June 27 to July 2, 2022, following the school year's end on June 24, 2022, while private schools may follow their schedules.
However, schools, divisions, or regions that have an extended school year due to class suspensions shall follow their approved revised school calendar.
"Pinaalalahan lang po natin yung number of school days, dapat tumupad sa batas natin under RA 11480. For private schools yung kanilang number of school days at yung pagtatapos nila, they shall be guided by their approved school calendar," Assistant Secretary for Curriculum and Instruction Alma Ruby C. Torio emphasized.
"Gradweyt ng K to 12: Masigasig sa mga Pangarap at Matatag sa mga Pagsubok" is the theme of the SY 2021-2022 EOSY rites (K to 12 Graduates: Pursuing Dreams and Fostering Resilience in the Face of Adversity).
"Only the completers, their parents/guardians, teachers, school officials, and guests shall be present during the virtual rites to ensure the protection and safety of everyone," Asec. Torio noted.
Additionally, the DepEd reminded everyone that EOSY rites should be conducted solemnly and dignifiedly and shall not be used as a forum for political activity, per DO 48, section 2018 titled, Prohibition of Electioneering Partisan Political Activity. Guest speakers must keep their messages focused on the theme of this year's EOSY rites and are discouraged from campaigning for any individual or political party.
"The End-of-School Year (EOSY) rites must not be used as a political forum for candidates or political parties," Asec. Torio emphasized.
Schools shall ensure that no election-related paraphernalia, such as streamers, posters, stickers, or other election-related items, is distributed on school property or via the internet. —Tacloban News Update (Source: DepEd)