The Department of Education (DepEd) has directed public schools nationwide to hold simple and low-cost graduation and moving-up ceremonies for School Year 2025–2026.
This comes amid rising fuel prices that continue to affect Filipino families.
Under a memorandum, schools are instructed to avoid excessive spending and are prohibited from collecting fees or contributions from students for the events.
Schools are also encouraged to use accessible venues such as school grounds or covered courts instead of renting expensive locations.
Non-academic activities, such as field trips and prom nights, should not be required as part of graduation.
The agency emphasized that participation in graduation and moving-up ceremonies must not depend on a student’s ability to pay.
According to Education Secretary Sonny Angara, the measure aims to ease the financial burden on families affected by higher transportation and commodity costs.
