The Department of Education (DepEd) has ordered all public schools in the country to keep graduation ceremonies simple following the series of price hikes on petroleum products.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara signed Memorandum No. 015 series of 2026 mandating that graduation and moving up ceremonies should be modest and without extravagant attire.
Angara said this is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to reduce the burden on Filipino families who are currently burdened with the high costs of transportation and basic goods.
“We must ensure that this milestone remains a celebration of achievement rather than a financial ordeal for our parents, especially as we navigate the economic impact of rising fuel costs.”
“We must ensure that this milestone remains a celebration of achievement rather than a financial ordeal for our parents, especially as we navigate the economic impact of rising fuel costs,” the education chief said.
“Our schools must prioritize the welfare of learners by keeping these ceremonies simple, meaningful, and entirely free of unnecessary expenses,” the education head added.
School heads are also reminded that a student’s participation in graduation should not be dependent on the payment of any contribution.
Under the DepEd directive, it is strictly prohibited to charge fees of any kind for such ceremonies. School heads are also reminded that a student’s participation in graduation should not be dependent on the payment of any contribution. Schools are also encouraged to use simple and free venues such as school grounds or covered courts to avoid paying rents.
Moreover, the DepEd clarified that non-academic activities, like field trips and prom nights, should not be a requirement for graduation. For public schools, all necessary expenses must be drawn from their Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) funds.
This year’s theme, “Pilipinong Nagsipagtapos: Handang Mamuno nang May Kakayahan at Mabuting Pagkatao”, recognizes the holistic education of the youth who are not only proficient in academics but are also willing to serve their communities and their country.
For School Year 2025-2026, about 1.9 million Grade 6 learners and 1.8 million Grade 12 learners are expected to graduate nationwide.
Their graduation and moving-up activities are set March 30 or 31, 2026.
