Taguig gov’t to shoulder all graduation costs in public schools

MANILA, Philippines–Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano once again assured parents of the more than 18,000 graduating students of local public schools that they will not be spending a single centavo for the graduation of their children beginning this March 16.

Cayetano said in a statement issued Wednesday that the city government would be shouldering all the cost of graduation-related expenses such as togas, graduation pictures, diplomas, yearbooks, snacks and the venue as part of the local government’s “no collection” policy on so-called graduation fees.

“All that the parents have to worry about is bringing their children to the graduation ceremonies,” she said.

Cayetano also announced that as last year, the coming graduation ceremonies in all 34 public elementary and high schools can be seen via a live video online streaming through the city’s pioneering e-Graduation program.

“This is to allow parents and relatives of our graduates to view the graduation rites even if they cannot be physically present during the ceremonies,” Cayetano said.

“Graduation is a special occasion for families. Let us make use of the technology available to us in bringing together loved ones even if they are miles apart,” she added.

A total of 18,085 elementary and high school students will march during their respective graduation rites this year from March 16 to 19.

Last year, the Cayetano administration waived the graduation fees of 17,613 public school students.

“Here in Taguig, we take the matter of public education earnestly. We believe that education should be a right, not a privilege to those who can afford it. That’s why, through strict budgeting and careful re-allocation of the city’s funds, we’ve been able to make graduation absolutely free,” Cayetano said.

Graduation rites of all public and elementary high schools can be viewed through the “I love Taguig” ” (www.facebook.com/taguigcity) – the official Facebook page of the city government.

The graduation ceremonies itself would be hosted by www.justin.tv, a video streaming website.

All of those who would like to view the graduation rites online will have to click the “like” of the FB page of ‘I love Taguig’ to gain access.

Currently, the “I love Taguig” Facebook page has over 16,000 likes.