To show appreciation for their children's hard work and perseverance, parents often give gifts to their children who receive awards during recognition day, moving-up ceremonies, or graduation. Some parents take this a step further by giving unique gifts such as a "money bouquet" or "money garland."
Although these gifts are impressive and praiseworthy, some teachers are concerned and urge parents to focus on students' academic achievements and personal growth rather than on material displays.
In a viral post by Gerva Mark Tafalla, a Social Studies teacher from Pintong Gubat Elementary School in Dasmariñas City, which has 60k shares on Facebook as of writing, he urged parents giving "money garlands" this graduation season to present them after the ceremony, not during.
"Gawin ang pagsasabit pagkatapos na ng graduation ceremony at hindi habang nagaganap ang seremonya, at lalong huwag sana sa mismong pag-akyat sa entablado (Parents should hang the money garlands after the graduation ceremony and not during the ceremony itself, and especially not right when the student goes up on stage)."
Gerva mentioned that not all students come from financially capable families. "Ang purpose ng pagbibigay ng money garland ay bigyan ng appreciation ang batang nagsipagtapos, hindi upang ipagmalaki sa ibang tao na higit tayong sagana at mas maraming pera. (The purpose of giving a money garland is to show appreciation to the graduating child, not to show off to others that we are wealthier and have more money)."
This garnered various reactions and comments from netizens.
Alice Ecila, a teacher at DepEd Tayo Blue Rizal San Guillermo Elementary School, also expresses similar sentiments about the issue through a Facebook post. As of writing it has over 16k shares.
"Paalala lamang ito at hindi po ito pangongontra. Malay niyo ang ibang magulang halos gumapang sa hirap mapagtapos lang ang kanilang mga anak. Be responsible in all our actions. Kung Blessed kayo sa money, be considerate nalang sana sa paligid. (This is just a reminder and not meant to oppose anyone. You never know, other parents have gone through hardships just to put their children through school. Let's be responsible in all our actions. If you're blessed with money, please be considerate of those around you)," she said.