DepEd: Parental consent needed for students to attend in-person school rites

DepEd Division Office Manila Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — Schools need to secure parental consent for students who are attending face-to-face end-of-school year (EOSY) rites, the Department of Education (DepEd) said Thursday.

Education Undersecretary Diosdado San Antonio reiterated that limited face-to-face ceremonies or EOSY rites are allowed for schools in areas under Alert Levels 1 and 2.

“Schools must obtain parental consent for learners to attend the face-to-face ceremony,” San Antonio said in a press briefing.

“Palagi nating nirerespeto ang desisyon ng mga magulang [We always respect the decision of the parents],” he added.

According to San Antonio, DepEd has set guidelines that must be strictly observed in holding the face-to-face ceremony:

• Face mask must be worn throughout the entire event;
• At least a one-meter safe distance must be observed between individuals;
• Participants must be seated at their assigned seats only;
• Handshake or any other forms of physical contact is discouraged;
• Only the parents or one designated guardian shall be permitted to accompany a mover or candidate for graduation

Meanwhile, San Antonio said schools in areas under Alert Levels 3, 4, and 5 can hold virtual ceremonies for their end-of-school year rites.

“Only the completers, their parents or guardians, teachers, school officials, and invited guests shall be present during the virtual rites,” San Antonio said.

“The schools have the discretion to broadcast live the virtual end-of-school year rites through an appropriate social media platform,” he added.

San Antonio also reminded schools that EOSY rites shall not be used as a political forum and that invited guest speakers must focus their message on the theme of the ceremony.

Schools nationwide are set to conduct EOSY rites from June 27 to July 2, following the end of school year on June 24. Private schools may implement the schedule as reflected in their respective school calendars.

Schools, divisions, or regions with an extended school year due to suspension of classes shall be guided by their approved revised school calendar, according to DepEd.

READ: DepEd allows physical end-of-schoolyear rites in Alert Level 1, 2 areas

JPV