ILOILO CITY, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) in Western Visayas is directing all public schools in the region to prohibit the collection of fees from students, parents, or teachers for end‑of‑school‑year rites such as graduations, moving‑up ceremonies, and recognitions.
Under the policy, schools must not require any payment linked to ceremonies marking the end of School Year 2025–2026, including compulsory charges for attire, decorations, or event activities. The directive aligns with DepEd’s “no collection” stance, which ensures that essential expenses are covered by government funds, not out‑of‑pocket contributions from families.
DepEd officials also reiterated that ceremonies should be simple, meaningful, and affordable, emphasizing that celebrations of student achievements should not become financial burdens on households. Schools are encouraged to use their Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) budget for necessary costs while voluntary support or donations remain optional but must never be mandatory.
This move follows similar calls to keep school celebrations modest and avoid unnecessary fees, with the overall aim of ensuring inclusive participation and easing financial pressures for families across the Western Visayas region.