THE Department of Education - Cordillera Administrative Region (DepEd-CAR) advised schools in the region not to use graduation ceremonies and rites for political forum.
DepEd-CAR assistant director Soraya Faculo said they expect around 38,369 in grade 6 and 27,848 completers in grade 10 in the region from both private and public schools for the first week of April.
"We remind that during graduation, this should not be used as a platform for any political forum," Faculo said after observing some guest speakers use graduation for their political agenda.
The DepEd official added while they do not bar schools from getting politicians as guest speakers, there should be a limit on the topic of the speaker.
Faculo also reminded schools not to seek special requirements to the students before their graduation.
“Iwasan din natin ang paggastos ng mga mamahalin, tulad ng yearbook, pati yung toga, hindi naman mandatory ang mga ito,” Faculo said.
“It was emphasized in our department to make the graduation simple and meaningful,” Faculo added.
Schools must also observe the new program on awarding students based on their grades.
Faculo added teachers should compute the grades of students based on the weight and merits on academics as well as on their extracurricular activities.
“Dati may valedictorian at salutatorian pero ngayon wala na dahil highest honors na lang. Pwedeng isa, dalawa o marami ang highest honors basta makapasok ang average. Iba na ang awarding system na i-fofollow. Dapat transparent din ang mga teachers sa mga grades before the graduation and it must be supported with documents,” Faculo explained.
After completion of grade 10, students are also reminded to choose the specialized track they are interested and must choose the technical skills that fits them.
DepEd-CAR is also ready for the incoming of grade 12 students in the region.