DepEd personnel face penalty for collecting graduation contributions
By Catherine J. Teves
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MANILA, Feb. 22 (PNA) –- The Department of Education (DepEd), the agency having jurisdiction over primary and secondary private and public schools nationwide, will sanction its personnel who maybe proven collecting contributions for graduation rites.
DepEd Secretary Jesli Lapis gave this warning, saying the agency continues prohibiting such practice.
"None from DepEd can collect graduation contributions," he said at the Kapihan sa Sulo forum Saturday.
He added that DepEd will cite among grounds for sanctioning the Administrative Code of 1987.
Lapus gave the warning as the March 28-April 3, 2009 graduation season specified by DepEd for 2009 nears.
Earlier, Lapus issued DepEd Order 15 banning public schools from collecting either fees or other contributions for graduation rites.
"Parents can agree among themselves to volunteer collecting funds for either the graduation itself or celebration and other activities related to such event," he clarified.
Even if funds are raised this way, however, DepEd still prohibits graduation rites laced with pomp and pageantry.
"Graduation must be conducted with austerity and solemnity," Lapus said.
He noted that schools must not require extraordinary venues for graduation rites which DepEd prefers held within school premises instead in line with government's austerity program.
DepEd also ordered schools not to require special attire for graduation but said graduates can rent and wear the 'toga' subject to approval of parent-teacher associations concerned.
To help preserve the solemnity of graduation rites, Lapus reminded politicians who will speak at such events to refrain from using these as fora for expressing their political views.
DepEd has chosen "My Education: My Contribution to the Future" as theme for this year's graduation rites.
The agency also bans schools from imposing non-academic projects as among requirements for graduating. (PNA)
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