Graduation rites and other end-of-school activities in Rizal province are being held this week until Saturday, July 9.
The Department of Education’s Schools Division Office-Rizal (SDO Rizal) said some public schools have yet to hold their graduation ceremonies.
Mil Flores-Ponciano, information officer of the SDO Rizal, told Manila Bulletin that other public schools have scheduled their respective end-of-school activities until July 9.
Department of Education (Deped) Memorandum Order No. 043 (Conduct of the K to 12 Basic Education Program End of School Year Rites for School Year 2021-2022 in light of the Covid-19 Public Health Emergency) states the guidelines and schedule of the activities.
Public schools have ended the school year on June 24 but graduation ceremonies, recognition rites and other activities for the end of the school year may be held from June 27 to July 9.
The same DepEd issuance gives the school, in consultation with and approval of the parents-teachers association and the local government unit, the option to hold end-of-school activities either virtually or face-to-face provided that health and safety measures will be prioritized.
In Antipolo City, students and their parents were delighted as they participated in graduation ceremonies in public and private schools.
Recently, senior high school students of Holy Spirit Integrated School located at Milagros Subdivision in Barangay Dalig, Antipolo City were able to attend the face-to-face commencement exercises held at Robinsons Place Antipolo.
Some students said the long wait for in-person graduation rites was worth it since their parents or guardians were able to see them on stage receiving their medals and academic achievement certificates.
Although the number of attendees were limited to only two persons for each graduate, the parents who attended the ceremony were thankful that they were able to witness the occasion.
Face-to-face school events had been prohibited since 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We are very happy that we have finally attended a face-to-face activity, thanks to our school administration for allowing us to experience this special occasion,” one of the new graduates told Manila Bulletin in a chat on Messenger.
There are some public schools in Antipolo City that have also scheduled their respective end-of-school activities this week.