EVERY YEAR, close to graduation day, the education secretary almost always reminds school authorities to tone down commencement activities and requirements so that parents and students are not burdened by unnecessary expenses. In most cases, the reminder falls on deaf ears. We see pre-school kids in caps and gowns as if they were college graduates. Elementary and high school graduates are required to wear “barong” or coat and tie (for the boys) or “debut-type” party dress (for the girls), or caps and gowns for both. The “Triumphal March” from Verdi’s grand opera “Aida,” provides the musical background. After the commencement program, the graduates, parents and the school authorities hie to a restaurant for the graduation party.<br />
When confronted with this seemingly extravagant graduation celebration, school authorities point to the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) for making the decision on the matter. It is common knowledge that parents who are active in the PTA are financially better-off than the majority who, because of limited means, hardly have a voice in PTA deliberations and decisions. Almost always, the majority of the parents have no other choice but comply with the requirements. They have to outsource funds just so their children can join the rest of their classmates.<br />
We are not like Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, etc., where parents are financially well-off. Most parents in our country are beset with financial problems arising from school fees, books, supplies, transportation, meals, etc., for their children. They should be credited for sending their children to school despite their financial difficulties.<br />
The government, through the Department of Education can help alleviate the plight of the parents by issuing instructions, not just reminders, for school authorities and the PTAs to scale down graduation-related requirements and expenses.<br />
The daily school uniform or gala uniform (in some schools) can be worn for the commencement exercises. For pre-school kids, their daily uniform will be appropriate, instead of caps and gowns. Graduation parties for pre-school and elementary school graduates should be family affairs. If the majority of parents in a particular school agree to hold a common or joint graduation party, the school premises, instead of a restaurant or hotel (which is quite costly) should be given priority as a venue. <br />
It is not farfetched to assume that there exist opportunities to earn commissions from restaurants or hotels and from those who rent out caps and gowns. Extravagance, ostentation and dishonesty are anathema to the virtues taught in school!<br />
—APOLONIO G. RAMOS,<br />
42 Mindanao St.,<br />
Marikina City