DepEd: Grad fee not mandatory

Tuesday, 16 March 2010 12:45 PM Fidelis Angela Tan

After receiving numerous complaints regarding graduation fees, the Department of Education (DepEd) has reiterated that the payment of such fees should not be mandatory and should not prevent a student from graduating.

“We assure parents of students in public elementary and high schools that non-payment of graduation fee does not mean their children can’t graduate,” said Department of Education (DepEd) communications unit head Kenneth Tirado.

This is in keeping with DepEd Order No. 13, made by former Education Secretary Jesli Lapus back in February, stating that no non-academic project will be imposed as a requirement for graduation.

The same order said that fees to cover the expenses for yearbook publication, graduation balls, graduation pictures, and graduation ceremonies should be voluntary, and that "only the…cost of rental of togas [will be shouldered] by the graduating class," if togas are to be used.

The order also encouraged schools to hold simple graduation ceremonies, due to the financial constraints in the aftermath of last year’s slew of typhoons.

"No extraordinary venue for ceremonies should be required," it said.

At least 28 public high schools and grade schools have already been cited for imposing mandatory graduation fees.

Raymond Palatino of the Kabataan party-list, whose office has also received complaints from parents and students about the fees, said that the sum asked of students range from P150 to P1,150.

“We even received overseas calls from parents. These graduation fees are a burden even to our OFWs," said Palatino. “We urge the DepEd to conduct probes immediately.”

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