As the school year (SY) 2025–2026 draws to a close, the Department of Education (DepEd) has issued clear reminders to schools nationwide on how to conduct End-of-School-Year (EOSY) rites.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, in a department memorandum issued on March 4, reiterated reminders on the conduct of the K to 12 basic education program EOSY rites for SY 2025–2026.

These ceremonies, scheduled for March 30 or 31, will honor learners in Kindergarten, Grade 6, Grade 10, Grade 12, and Alternative Learning System (ALS) completers.

While graduation and moving-up rites mark milestones in every learner’s journey, DepEd emphasized that the celebrations must remain simple, safe, and inclusive.

DepEd reiterated that EOSY rites should be meaningful without extravagance.

“While these rites mark a milestone in learners’ lives, they shall be conducted without excessive spending, extravagant attire, and extraordinary venues,” DepEd said.

Schools were reminded to avoid excessive spending, elaborate attire, or extraordinary venues. The focus must remain on learners’ achievements, not on costly displays.

Non-academic activities such as field trips, film showings, or Junior-Senior Proms cannot be imposed as requirements, DepEd stressed.

DepEd said non-academic projects, articulated in Department Order (DO) No. 66, series of 2017, or the Implementing Guidelines on the Conduct of Off-Campus Activities, “shall not be imposed as graduation or completion requirements.”

This, DepEd noted, ensures that no learner is excluded due to financial or logistical constraints.

In line with DepEd’s long-standing No Collection Policy, schools are prohibited from soliciting contributions or fees from learners and teachers.

“No individual shall be allowed to collect any kind of contribution or fee from learners and teachers for the graduation or moving-up ceremonies,” DepEd said.

This is in accordance with the provisions of DO No. 19, series of 2008, titled Implementation of No Collection Policy in All Public Elementary and Secondary Schools. The policy protects families from unnecessary financial burdens and ensures that education remains accessible and equitable.

Expenses related to the ceremonies must be charged to the school’s Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) fund, DepEd added.

DepEd also directs schools to finalize deliberations on awards and recognitions at least five days before the rites.

“The School Awards Committee shall deliberate on awards and recognitions at least five calendar days before the EOSY rites to determine the learners eligible for recognition and awards,” DepEd said.

This, DepEd said, will ensure transparency and fairness in acknowledging learners’ accomplishments.

With the rites scheduled at the end of March — a period known for intense summer heat — DepEd advises schools to hold ceremonies in indoor venues with proper ventilation or in covered courts.

“To ensure the safety and protection of learners, teachers, and attendees, schools are advised to conduct their EOSY rites in indoor venues with proper ventilation or in covered courts to avoid exposure to extreme heat,” DepEd said.

DepEd stressed that schools must avoid scheduling rites during the hottest hours of the day to safeguard the health and comfort of learners, teachers, and guests.

“Schools shall avoid scheduling their EOSY rites during the hottest hours of the day, when temperatures are at their peak,” DepEd said.

Beyond logistics, DepEd said the 2026 EOSY rites carry the theme: “Pilipinong Nagsipagtapos: Handang Mamuno nang May Kakayahan at Mabuting Pagkatao (Filipino Graduates: Prepared to Lead with Competence and Character).”

This theme reflects DepEd’s vision of producing graduates who are not only academically prepared but also morally upright, compassionate, and service-oriented — ready to contribute positively to their communities and the nation.

“This theme highlights the Department’s commitment to holistic education that goes beyond academic achievement, ensuring that learners are equipped with the essential knowledge, values, and skills needed to navigate higher education, employment, entrepreneurship, and middle-level skills development,” Angara said in the memo.

The theme, he added, affirms DepEd’s dedication to nation-building by shaping graduates who are not only academically prepared but also committed to serving the Filipino people.

“It underscores that, alongside competence, Filipino graduates are nurtured to become morally upright, compassionate, and service-oriented individuals who can lead with integrity and contribute positively to their communities and the nation,” Angara said.

DepEd’s reminders ensure that EOSY rites remain true to their purpose: celebrating learners’ growth and achievements without imposing unnecessary burdens.

By keeping ceremonies simple, safe, and inclusive, DepEd said schools can highlight what truly matters — the journey of Filipino learners toward competence, character, and leadership.