2014 Graduation Rites Theme

No extravagant attires and venues!
No collection for graduation fees!

Make graduation rites simple and frugal.

To give reverence to the resilience of Filipino spirit and its triumphs over different calamities throughout the school year, DepEd Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro urges all schools to maintain the solemnity of this occasion by remaining prudent and simple. 

For the secretary, the most important thing is to send the message of nationalism, excellence and resilience to every graduate. 

Moreover, DepEd would like to add that holding of JS Promenade, Seniors Ball, Graduation Balls and other closing ceremonies are being discouraged so as to avoid additional financial burden to parents. 

This year's Graduation Theme: "Hindi Natitinag ang Pusong Pilipino." 

For more information please download and read DepEd Order No. 9. s. 2014.


Personal Note: I admire Bro. Armin Luistro's perspectives. He wants to show that we are sympathizing with our fellow countrymen that were affected by those calamities. No doubt that keeping the graduation rites simple will be a great tribute on our triumphs over those devastating calamities, but how simple is simple?  When the students and parents heard about the news that graduates will no longer wear white toga on their graduation day, many reacted negatively. 

For parents, to see their children wear that white toga is symbolical... it means a lot for them... it means that their children successfully surpassed the challenges of the basic education requirements... it means that their children are now ready to face another chapter of their life. 

For students, to wear their white toga also means a lot for them. Graduation is one of their most important milestones in life... their white toga is like a cape awarded to them after years of diligence and perseverance in the academe world. 

I hope Sec. Luistro will also hear the plea of these parents and students about wearing toga. I hope it's just okay with him if some schools will deviate from the order "a little."