By LORENZO DELA CERNA

CEBU City – The Department of Education 7 (DepEd-7) reminded public elementary and high schools against mandatory graduation contributions.

Dr. Carmelita Dulangon, DepEd-7 assistant regional director, said the so-called graduation fees should not be made compulsory, and should not be made a requirement for graduation.

She said her office has received several complaints from parents already.

“We assure the parents: non-payment of the graduation fee does not mean their children cannot graduate,” Dulangon stressed.

In case the Parents Teachers Association agreed on certain contributions, those who do not want to join should not be compelled to contribute, she added.

Last February, then DepEd Secretary Jesli Lapus ordered schools to keep graduation rites fee- and politico-free.

DepEd in Order No. 13 also ordered schools to keep their graduation rites solemn yet simple and austere.

He said the rites should be as simple as possible, especially due to difficulties brought about by recent natural calamities.

In accordance with the order, the use of contributions is to be coordinated with and properly reported to the Parents Teachers Association, he stressed.