TDC reminds schools on graduation rites

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) calls on schools to abide by the DepEd rules on graduation rites after several reports that some schools are imposing the collection of graduation and other fees from their students reached its office.

According to Benjo Basas, the group’s national chairman, his organization agrees with the department in regulating such fees especially if it is imposed by the school authorities.
“Graduation, while calls for a celebration for most of the students and parents should not be extravagant and burdensome.” Basas said.

Basas said that many of public school students belong to the poor families who may not afford the fees. However, he recognizes the festive mode of some families who wishes the graduation day of their children to be special. “Some parents would be very happy for their children who accomplished secondary education especially those who may not well-prepared for tertiary schooling, thus they may want to see their kids wearing toga. In that case, we understand that if the parents would want to contribute or donate any acceptable and affordable amount for the graduation ceremonies then it would be all right as long as it is compliant of the rules set by the DepEd.” Basas explained. “But it should be an initiative from the parents of the graduating class or the PTA.” He added.

Aside from the graduation-related contributions, the TDC also received reports on other contributions being collected by some schools as clearance. The group said that according to a report from Mindanao, a particular school is asking a total of P1, 390.00 from their graduating students, the amount varies in other places. The group however noted that in most cases, the contributions are initiated by the parents themselves. In some areas like in Parañaque and Caloocan, chairs, sound system and togas are subsidized by the LGU.

“Parents donations can be considered a type of public-private partnership or community counterpart, an idea espoused by the DepEd, just like in the case of Brigada Eskwela, but contributions should always be reasonable and can never be mandatory.” Basas ended. #

NEWS RELEASE
March 9, 2012
Reference: Benjo Basas, Chairperson, 0920-5740241/ 3853437