If political rallies are allowed, it’s time we also allow in-person graduation ceremonies.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Monday made the call to the government saying it is time to consider allowing in-person graduation ceremonies now that National Capital Region and 38 other areas have shifted to Alert Level 1 amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture, pointed out that for both parents and students, graduation ceremonies are once in a lifetime moments.

Considering the eased restrictions and the country’s improving situation against Covid-19, the senator said parents and students should be able to fully relish their moments of pride, but still observing public health protocols to avoid turning the occasion as a superspreader event.

“Kung nakakapagsagawa na tayo ng mga aktibidad na dinudumog ng maraming tao tulad ng election campaigns, dapat bigyan din natin ng pagkakataon ang mga magulang at mga mag-aaral na magkaroon na ng face-to-face graduation (If we are able to do activities where people can congregate like election campaigns, then we should also give the parents and students to have a face-to-face graduation),” Gatchalian said in a statement.

“Ang kasiyahang dulot ng pagtatapos ng mga mag-aaral ay nag-uudyok pa sa maraming mga magulang na nagtatrabaho sa ibang bansa na umuwi ng Pilipinas para lamang makadalo sa graduation ng kanilang mga anak (Some parents who are abroad even do their best to return home to the Philippines just to happily witness their children graduate),” he said.

“Sa gitna ng patuloy na pagbaba ng mga kaso ng COVID-19, napapanahong ibigay din natin ang pagkakataong ito sa mga magulang at kanilang mga anak (As the number of COVID-19 cases dwindle, it’s time we also give this opportunity to the parents and their child),” added Gatchalian, who is seeking re-election in the upcoming May 2022 elections.

Under Alert Level 1 which is the lowest level of health restrictions, workplaces, establishments, and government offices may operate at 100 percent capacity.

Public transportation is also allowed to operate at full capacity, while individuals 18 years old and above are required to present proof of full vaccination before participating in mass gatherings such as meetings, conferences, and exhibition events.

Last April 2020, amid the prolonged imposition of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Luzon and other parts of the country, the Department of Education (DepEd) indefinitely postponed graduation and moving up ceremonies.

Also for School Year (SY) 2020-2021, the DepEd prohibited face-to-face graduation and moving up rites to protect the health of learners, teachers, personnel, and parents.