The Department of Education is allowing Christmas parties in public schools and field offices, with the stern reminder that there should no mandatory contributions to the celebrations.
Citing the difficult economic situation, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte issued DepEd Order No. 50 which indicated that parties should be “simple yet meaningful.”
“Celebrations in schools and DepEd offices, as far as practicable, should be simple yet meaningful. Christmas party themes should not result (in) expenses that will become a burden on parents, students and DepEd personnel,” the order said.
Themes, costumes, decorations and exchange gifts are all voluntary, Duterte said in the order, adding that no student or personnel “should be forced to contribute, participate or use their money for the celebration.”
Learners should not be excluded from participating in the Christmas party in case they won’t voluntarily contribute or offer a prepared gift, while DepEd personnel were reminded that solicitations, in cash or in kind, are not allowed.
Further, instead of spending on new decorations, the order urged the recycling of old Christmas ornaments.
Facing the first “normal” Christmas after almost three years, there is that tendency to get carried away, especially for Filipinos who are known to enjoy the longest Christmas season in the world. However, as the country remains under the shadow of the COVID pandemic and economic hardship, we will have to reign in our enthusiasm and spending when it comes to the upcoming holiday gatherings, whether at school, work, or home.
For government workers such as those in DepEd, let us hope that the 2-year break on Christmas parties will be enough to change the culture of accepting and demanding “gifts” from suppliers and partners who should never have been burdened from the start.*
