Department of Education

urges schools: No candidates in

2019 graduation rite
• MANILA, Philippines – With the campaign period in
full swing, the Department of Education (DepEd)
urged schools to avoid inviting candidates as guests
to graduations to keep ceremonies for students free
from politics.

• The education department warned schools that

doing so may give the impression teachers and
school officials endorsed a certain candidate, which
is prohibited by the department.
• Education Secretary Leonor Briones earlier
reminded all teaching and non-teaching personnel of
DepEd that partaking in political activities was
prohibited under civil service rules, the Omnibus
Election Code, and the department’s own rules.
(READ: 
Briones to DepEd teachers, employees: Do not eng
age in politics
)

• Some of the prohibited activities include using

government resources and time for political
purposes; creating, distributing or displaying
campaign materials, making speeches for or against
a candidate, and wearing campaign materials
bearing the name of candidates or political parties,
unless authorized by the Commission on Elections.
* DepEd said while inviting
candidates to graduations was not
prohibited, it was “highly discouraged” as it may be
interpreted as endorsements during the election
season.
• If candidates were invited, the department said they
must speak only on the theme. Candidates were also
not allowed to distribute or display campaign
materials.
• “If invitation and/or attendance of a candidate is
supported by valid and compelling reason, our
officials are warned that this cannot degenerate into
an endorsement or solicitation of votes,” DepEd said.
• The theme for the 2019 ceremonies is "Pagkakaisa
sa Pagkakaiba-iba: Kalidad na Edukasyon para sa
Lahat (Unity in Diversity: Quality Education for All),"
which highlights the role of K to 12 in developing
Filipinos.
• DepEd said events should be scheduled not earlier
than April 1, 2019 and not later than April 5, 2019. 

Source: https://www.rappler.com
Published 2:25 PM, March 05, 2019
3 Specific Relevant Reasons
on why the news is
important.
•Graduation rites are not for political business. To
avoid the impression that the school and teachers are
endorsing certain candidate.

•Graduation rite is one of the most memorable event

to be celebrated. It is also to recognize the teacher
and non-teaching personnel's for their endless effort.

•Events like graduation encourages non-political

identities. It is to avoid conflict of interest and can
render inspiring words honestly.