Villar backs modest graduation rites

Nacionalista Party standard-bearer Manny Villar yesterday said that public schools must comply with the order of the Department of Education (DepEd) barring them from collecting graduation fees or contributions given the "economic difficulties brought about by recent natural calamities."

"Almost every year, the DepEd issues this reminder to schools and yet there are still complaints and reports that it is not followed. Many parents had to borrow money just so they can pay for graduation fees and there are graduating students who had no choice but to skip the ceremony," said Villar.

In line with the government's austerity program, DepEd issued recently Order No.13, s. 2010, which contained the department's policy on conduct and collection of fees for the graduation rites.

On top of the prohibition on collection of fees, the DepEd order also prohibits "extraordinary venue" and "special attire" for graduation ceremonies. According to Villar, reports have reached his office that even small daycare and pre-schools in barangays require parents to pay P500 or more as graduation fee plus other extras for food in commercial venues.

"Charging excessive amounts for graduation rites defeats the purpose of the government offering free public education. Hindi dapat magarbo ang graduation ceremony para mas maraming estudyante ang maka-attend nito at hindi na maging problema sa mga magulang," said Villar.

According to Villar, he can relate to the difficulties that many Filipino families go through during graduation period since he and his siblings experienced dreading the time when they had to ask for money from their parents to pay for graduation fees.