DepEd clears graduation for Grade six accomplishers to continue this school year

Manila---The Department of Education (DepEd) cleared on Saturday that pupils who will accomplish 6th grade is expected to continue graduation rites ceremony for school year 2018-2019, clarifying the initial released memorandum's falsity.

In a new amended memorandum issued on March 1, it said 6th grade students will have graduation rites, in continuance to the long-held tradition. 

"This memorandum clarifies that the end of school year rites for Grade 6 completers for School Year 2018-2019 shall be a graduation ceremony," read memorandum, signed by Education secretary Leonor Briones said. 

DepEd also made an apology for the "inconvenience and confusion" it has caused to parents and students because of the earlier announcement and said that they will retain the accustomed policy.

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However, the falsehood memorandum dated February 18, 2019 released by the department, Briones said that only Grade 12 students (K-12 senior high school) should have graduation rites and be given diplomas as proof of completion.

It also includes statement that students in the kindergarten level, 6th grade, and 10th grade, the equivalent of 4th year high school before shift to K-12 educational system should only have moving up or completion ceremonies and given certificates.

For a long time, Filipinos accustomed to have graduation rites in their 6th grade and 4th year high school under the old 10-year basic education cycle, marking elementary and high school completion.

But since the country shifted to a 12-year basic education cycle under the K to 12 (Kindergarten to 12 years) program, two more years were added to the education cycle in order to produce high school graduates ready for college or even employment, as they will finish basic education at age 18.

The K to 12 educational program was the flagship education reform measure of the administration of former President Benigno Aquino III, implemented in 2013.

For the yearender ceremonies of 2018-2019, DepEd said that schools should focus on the theme "Unity in Diversity: Quality Education for all" under the new memorandum.

"This theme highlights the role of the K to 12 Basic Education Program in developing an educated society where the challenges and benefits of diversity are embraced and welcomed by every Filipino," Briones said.

The memorandum also states that schools should conduct end of school year rites not earlier than April 1 but not later than April 5.

The department's new memorandum was issued Order No. 002 s. of 2019 which now cites that graduation ceremony as applicable to Grade 6 completers contrary to the previous released.

Meanwhile, public schools personnel also warned by the department that they are not allowed to collect any kind of contribution or fee for the benefit of school year rites.