MikeLigalig.com

By Jerry E. Esplanada
Philippine Daily Inquirer

The Department of Education on Thursday warned against the holding of lavish Christmas parties in public elementary and high schools nationwide.

Public school teachers should also "refrain from collecting contributions for such parties from their students," Education Secretary Jesli A. Lapus said, adding that Yuletide parties "need not be extravagant."

"The usual school celebrations before the Christmas break should be as simple as possible," he emphasized in an interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer, parent company of INQUIRER.net.

At the same time, Lapus said he has reminded school officials to seriously consider cost-cutting measures when holding Christmas parties.

He said the DepEd has yet to receive reports of unauthorized collections from students by school officials.

Lapus also disclosed his department will hold a nationwide gift-giving program for indigent school kids on December 20.

"Once again, we will have Tuloy ang Pasko ng mga Bata where all DepEd divisions nationwide will distribute Christmas presents to poor kids," he said.

This year, "the department's target is two million children," Lapus added.

The DepEd reminded public schools anew not to force students to pay school fees in the form of "voluntary contributions."

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