The Department of Education in Palawan has reiterated to public elementary and secondary schools to keep moving-up and graduation ceremonies simple yet meaningful for the end-of-school-year rites on March 30–31, 2026.
In Division Memorandum No. 094, s. 2026 issued March 17, the agency said rites should be conducted without “excessive spending, extravagant attire, or extraordinary venue,” despite being a milestone for learners.
DepEd emphasized that no fees should be collected from students, as expenses must be covered by the schools’ maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE). For Alternative Learning System learners, costs may be charged to program support funds for calendar year 2025.
“No DepEd personnel shall be allowed to collect any kind of contribution or fee for the Graduation/Moving-Up Ceremonies in accordance with the provisions of DO 19, s. 2008,” the memorandum stated.
The agency also reiterated that ceremonies must remain nonpartisan, prohibiting politicians from using the events for campaigning under Department Order No. 48, s. 2018. Teaching and nonteaching personnel were likewise reminded to refrain from engaging in any electioneering or partisan political activity.
To protect students and attendees from extreme heat, schools are advised to avoid scheduling rites during peak daytime temperatures and instead hold them in well-ventilated indoor venues or covered courts.
Meanwhile, expenses for monitoring the end-of-school-year rites may be charged to the division’s MOOE, inclusive education funds, Special Education Fund, or other local funds, subject to accounting and auditing rules.
