PUBLIC and private schools observe austere and simple graduation ceremonies, the Department of Education stressed.

Closing and graduation ceremonies in both public and private schools have to conform with the guidelines set by DepEd concerning observance of austerity, economy and simplicity in keeping with this time of economic difficulties, according to Regional Director Ligaya Miguel.

Miguel issued the call in the wake of reports and complaints that graduating pupils and students in some schools are being asked to pay exorbitant fees.

Schools are supposed to hold their graduation rites right in the school premises. Some schools however insist on holding the ceremony somewhere else entailing big expenses in hotels, resorts or gyms.

Miguel discouraged such practice pointing out that not all parents can afford to pay or contribute big amounts for such ceremonies.

Well-off families may not mind shelling out contributions as may have been agreed upon by the parents-teachers association but not all can afford, the complaining parents said. Such PTA-approved contributions should not be made compulsory, they stressed.

In observance with the DepEd guidelines, some public schools have made their graduating students wear their uniforms and hold the ceremonies right in the school grounds. (DOS/PIA)