The Department of Education has rightfully warned that public schools are not allowed to engage in political activities nor campaign for candidates during graduation and moving up ceremonies.
Memorandum 27 signed by Education Secretary Sonny Angara said teaching and non-teaching personnel are prohibited from engaging in electioneering or partisan political activity amid the upcoming midterm polls in May, warning violators of penalties.
In addition, excessive spending, extravagant attires, or renting extraordinary venues should be avoided in conducting the rites. Additionally, expenses for graduation and moving up rites should be charged to schools’ operating expenses and no contributions or fees must be collected, the agency noted.
The end of school year rites are scheduled on April 14 to 15, which is right in the middle of the campaign period, along with being one of the hottest months of the year. Aside from school officials taking pains for their schools to remain as non-partisan as possible, preparations for heat waves must also be included in graduation plans, preferably in indoor venues with proper ventilation, avoiding the time of day when temperatures are highest.
Graduations and moving up ceremonies are special occasions for the students and their parents first and foremost, and not opportunities for campaigning and shameless self promotion. As stewards of the institution, it is up to school administrators to resist the temptation to take the easy route and pander to politicians and candidates who could benefit from the exposure these special events provide, especially during this crucial campaign period. It is incumbent upon those responsible for organizing graduations to exercise a little more creativity to ensure that the ceremonies remain apolitical.
Aside from being apolitical, all efforts must also be made to ensure that the ceremonies are affordable for the parents and that the event and the venue is safe and comfortable for all, with the size of the crowd and ambient temperatures taken into consideration.
The campaign period makes life a little bit more complicated for the organizers, but if they keep their focus on the right priorities, the better it will be for the students and parents who are the real stars of the show.*
