Keep the spirit alive, Batch 2013

DIRECTOR’S Cut: "I am your team leader and you are my teammates; together, let us work as a team." - DepEd 11 Regional Director Gloria D. Benigno, CESO IV.

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A few weeks from now, majority of the schools in Davao Region will be holding their commencement exercises from kindergarten to high school.

DepEd, in recent days, was bombarded with questions whether those victims of Typhoon Pablo will be able to graduate. DepEd XI's official stand is yes, provided they will pass their last quarter performance as this will be the basis for graduation.

It is a known fact that their records were totally irretrievable due to the massive destruction brought by the super typhoon to most of the schools in Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley.

So, it is very important to remind those who are not yet appearing in their classes to do it as soon as possible in order to abate the chance of being dropped out from the roll. All DepED officials and stakeholders are also encouraged to help find the missing students and bring them back to schools.

In related development, the education department has issued DepEd Order No. 9, s. 2013, otherwise known as 2013 Graduation Rites released on February 14, 2013. The graduation shall be scheduled on March 18 or 19, 2013.

The theme of this year's graduation rites is Building the Nation's Future Leaders through the K to 12 Basic Education Program (K to 12 Basic Education Program-Tungo sa Paghuhubog ng mga Makabagong Lider ng Bansa).

In line with the government's austerity program, DepEd is once again reiterating its previous issuance on graduation rites policy, to wit: Public school heads, teachers and other DepEd personnel should not be allowed to collect any graduation fees or any contribution for the graduation rites; PTAs may give donation in cash or in kind for the graduation ceremonies and celebrations; No non-academic projects should be imposed as requirements for graduation.

Other relevant provisions of the DepEd Order are: No extravagant special attire or extraordinary venue for the ceremonies should be required; Graduation rites should not be exercised in splurging and display of pomp and pageantry but should be Spartan affairs which exhort civic duties, sense of community and personal responsibilities and should be memorable, exciting and animated without baggage of extra cost and excessive spending; and contributions for the annual yearbook or souvenir program, if any, should be on a voluntary basis.

It was also emphasized in the said issuance signed DepEd Secretary Armin A. Luistro, FSC that the graduation rites should be conducted in appropriate solemn ceremony befitting the graduating students and their parents and shall not be used as political forum especially since this year is an election year.

May the graduation rites be considered as one of the most memorable events in the lives of the students and hope for a better life ahead of us shall prevail to each graduate.

Advance congratulations to everyone especially to my son and daughter Renz John Michael (4th Year) and Cherry Lou (Grade VI) who will also graduate this March.

Mabuhay kayo!

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You can access DepEd Updates, latest issuances and other relevant information through our website: region11.deped.gov.ph. and our official Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/deped.regionxi For comments, suggestions and/or contributions, email depedregion11@gmail.com. For queries, complains and other concerns, call DepEd Region 11 at (082) 227-9342 or fax to (082) 227-1102 and (082) 221-6147.