DepEd mandates simple graduation rites amid rising fuel costs

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MAKATI CITY, 23 March 2026 – The Department of Education (DepEd) has directed all public schools nationwide to keep end-of-school-year ceremonies modest and economical in response to the recent surge in fuel prices.

Under Memorandum No. 015 series of 2026, DepEd emphasized that graduation and moving-up rites must be conducted without excessive spending or extravagant attire.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s standing directive to alleviate the financial burden on Filipino families who are currently grappling with increased transportation and commodity 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,” said Secretary Angara.

“Our schools must prioritize the welfare of learners by keeping these ceremonies simple, meaningful, and entirely free of unnecessary expenses.”

Under the memorandum, DepEd strictly prohibits the collection of any contribution or fee for graduation and moving-up ceremonies, reminding school heads that participation in the rites is not contingent on financial contributions. Schools are urged to hold ceremonies in simple venues, such as school grounds or covered courts, to avoid expensive rentals.

DepEd also clarified that non-academic activities, including field trips and prom nights, should not be made requirements for graduation. For public schools, all necessary expenses for the ceremonies are to be sourced from the school’s Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) funds.

This year’s graduation theme, “Filipino Graduates: Prepared to Lead with Competence and Character,” focuses on the holistic education of the youth who are not only academically prepared but committed to serving their communities and the nation.

For School Year 2025-2026, around 1.9 million Grade 6 learners and 1.8 million Grade 12 learners are expected to graduate nationwide.

DepEd has scheduled all end-of-school-year activities to take place on March 30 or 31, 2026.

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