No extravagant grads, help schools instead, TDC says

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) calls on school and field officials to abide by the DepEd rules on graduation rites released by the agency earlier.

According to Benjo Basas, TDC national chairperson, his organization agrees with the department in regulating graduation fees and extravagant rites especially if it is imposed by the school authorities. “Graduation, while considered as special day 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 are 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 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.

Basas particularly cited the case in Typhoon Yolanda-stricken Visayas especially many towns in Leyte and Samar provinces, which until now have yet to recover from the severe damage brought about by the monster typhoon in November, “Until now, there are no classrooms in many schools and the operation is still irregular,” he said.

Basas, whose roots are from Leyte and has been active in relief effort in the Visayas said that the money that some would want to use for extravagant celebration may better be spent for citizens’ effort in rehabilitating schools in Leyte.

“We suggest that those who are not affected by Yolanda be more generous and help our kids and teachers in those areas” he said. TDC has launched Project PAG-ARAM, an initiative to raise school materials for teachers and students in Yolanda-affected areas.

“We have started collecting donations since the first week of January and we have delivered materials to some 15 schools in Leyte last month.” Basas added.

The group will be accepting donations of papers, pens, chalks, crayons and other school supplies until the end of May and will deliver the donations to affected schools in time for the opening of school year 2014-2015.
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Reference: Benjo Basas, Chairperson, 0920-5740241/ 3853437
For Project PAG-ARAM details:        Olive De Guzman, 0917-8167130

NEWS RELEASE
February 25, 2014

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