SAN FERNANDO CITY, June 30 (PIA) – As the school year 2020-2021 is about to end on July 10, the Department of Education in Ilocos (DepEd-1) gives few reminders for schools on staging their year-end ceremonies.
Dr. Arlene Niro, chief education supervisor of DepEd-1, said in a press conference on Monday that upcoming year-end rites would still be conducted virtually as face-to-face ceremonies are still not allowed to avoid crowding and prevent further spread of the COVID-19 virus.
“Hindi naman po lingid sa ating kaalaman na pinagbabawal pa rin po ang mass gatherings kaya hindi po tayo pwede sa face-to-face ceremonies, so we will be doing it virtually,” Niro said.
Different from the pre-pandemic recognition and graduation ceremonies which normally takes a day or a half, Niro said this year’s virtual ceremonies must be limited in two or less hours.
“Limited lang in less than two hours dahil we have to consider the internet connectivity of our participants. Though pwede pa rin naman ang pre-recorded program,” she said.
Only the completers, their parents or guardians, teachers, and school administrators must be present during the virtual rites.
Niro also said that any cost during the conduct of the online ceremonies in public schools must be charged to the schools’ maintenance and other operating expenses.
Further, attendees, specially the learners, are reminded to observe proper dress code during the online rites.
Attire must be casual or formal wear or even school uniform for completers.
While the use of toga and sablay is allowed provided that it has the consensus of the learners’ parents and guardians.
Moreover, Niro reiterated the suspension of some awards and recognitions which are usually given to completers.
“Sa gitna ng new normal ay may mga sinuspend po tayong awards na usually ay binibigay natin,” she stated.
These are the academic excellence awards given for Grades 1 to 5, 7 to 9 and 11; classroom awards for kindergarten; and the grade-level awards on leadership, performance for specific discipline, research and innovation or organization achievements. (JCR/AMB/Caren Grace R. Cabanayan, PIA La Union)
