ACT urges DepEd to allocate funds for graduation rites to minimize student costs

The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) urged the Department of Education (DepEd) to allocate a dedicated budget for graduation rites as costs continue to fall on teachers and parents nationwide.

ACT expressed that many schools continue to rely on informal contributions, despite the government’s “no collection” policy.

“With this, parents will be saved from expenses as we are all troubled by the rising cost of fuel and transportation fees,” ACT Chair Ruby Bernardo said.

DepEd’s memorandum No. 015, series of 2026, mandated that rites, from kindergarten to senior high school, including Alternative Learning System (ALS) learners, must be conducted without unnecessary expenses, extravagant attire, or mandatory contributions imposed on learners and the Parent-Teacher Assembly (PTA).

Instead, all graduation expenses must be covered by the schools’ Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE).

Education Secretary Sony Angara stressed that despite the rise in fuel costs, the ceremony shall remain “a celebration of achievement rather than a financial ordeal for our parents.” 

However, ACT argued that existing allocations are insufficient to meet actual costs, especially in underfunded public schools. 

The Personal Economic Relief Allowance (PERA) is also called to be increased from P2,000 to P5,000, emphasizing the oil price hike.

ACT is calling on the national government to ensure full funding, saying graduation rites should be a right enjoyed by all students, not a financial burden.

Around 1.9 million grade 6 learners and 1.8 million grade 12 learners are expected to graduate nationwide for the school year 2025-2026.