In-person graduation and other end-of-school-year (EOSY) rites in basic education are still banned due to the continued threat of COVID-19, the Department of Education said.
But the department said public schools nationwide can conduct their graduation and moving up rites in July.
Meantime, private schools may implement their graduation and moving up rites following the schedule in their school calendars.
"To ensure the protection of the health and safety of learners, teachers and personnel, as well as parents and other stakeholders, any face-to-face ceremony is not allowed," the DepEd said in a memorandum issued Monday and signed by Secretary Leonor Briones.
Schools and community learning centers (CLCs) can instead hold virtual EOSY rites "that will run in less than two hours to consider the internet connectivity that will be consumed," the agency said.
The virtual rites must be attended by the students, parents or guardians, teachers, and school administrators only.
Since the current school year will end on July 10, schools and CLCs can hold the EOSY rites from July 12 to 16, the DepEd said.
The department said schools may also choose to reschedule or forego the activity "should the public health situation prevent the conduct of this year's EOSY rites within the said week."
"Private schools shall be guided by their approved school calendars or revised school calendar," it added.
The DepEd noted that schools must first secure the consent of parents and learners before broadcasting the virtual EOSY rites on social media platforms.
Last year, the DepEd also prohibited in-person graduation and other EOSY rites because of COVID-19, which has infected over a million in the country.
The agency has yet to announce the date for the start of the next school year, which will be decided on by President Rodrigo Duterte.
Education Undersecretary Diosdado San Antonio earlier said the DepEd was ready to implement limited in-person classes next school year once
Duterte gives the go signal. He also assured the public that the department would be more responsive should full remote learning continue.
