MANILA — The Department of Education (DepEd) has issued guidelines on the conduct of graduation rites in basic education this year, the first time it allowed in-person ceremonies since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a memorandum issued Tuesday, the department said schools and community learning centers in areas under Alert Levels 1 and 2 can choose to hold face-to-face graduation rites with limited attendance or a "hybrid ceremony" that involves live-streaming.

Schools must consult with the local government and parents regarding the conduct of graduation ceremonies, which must strictly comply with COVID-19 protocols, according to the DepEd.

The agency allowed limited in-person graduation rites "to give learners a sense of normalcy without risking their health and safety," the agency said.

"Schools must obtain parental consent for learners to attend the face-to-face ceremony," it added.

The DepEd said the following rules must also be observed.

• Face masks must be worn throughout the entire event
• A one-meter safe distance must be observed between individuals
• Participants must be seated at their assigned seats only
• Handshake or any other forms of physical contact is discouraged
• Only the parents or one designated guardian shall be permitted to accompany a mover or candidate for graduation

Meanwhile, schools under Alert Levels 3 to 5 can hold virtual ceremonies and "with the consent of the parents, they may livestream the EOSY (end-of-school-year) rites via appropriate online platforms."

The current school year (SY) is set to end on June 24, while graduation rites may take place from June 27 to July 2.

• Some schools prepare for in-person graduation rites

Schools that suspended classes earlier this year due to a surge in COVID-19 cases can adjust their academic calendars as long as they meet the 220-class days rule, the DepEd said.

"If classes were suspended for one week, then the EOSY rites may be on any of the dates between July 4 to 9, 2022," the department said.

"Should the public health situation prevent the conduct of this year's EOSY rites within the said week, schools, in consultation with the Parents-Teachers Association, may choose to reschedule or forego the activity," it added.

The DepEd also reminded schools that graduation ceremonies must not be used as a political forum, in light of the May 9 elections as well as the upcoming December barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls.

• DepEd sternly warns teachers vs electioneering a week before national polls

The theme of SY 2021-2022's graduation rites is "Gradweyt ng K to 12: Masigasig sa mga Pangarap at Matatag sa mga Pagsubok," highlighting how "Filipino learners remain resolute in their desire to build a better future" despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The school year also saw Philippine schools gradually resume in-person classes at limited capacities, almost 2 years into the COVID-19 pandemic.

• DepEd starts 'progressive expansion' of in-person classes

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