The Philippines’ Department of Education (DepEd) confirmed that there will be no graduation ceremonies all over the country as part of its precautionary measure against coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
In her interview with Dobol B sa News TV, Education Secretary Leonor Briones said graduating classes will not get to do the commencement exercises this year as the country is still trying to contain the spread of the disease.
“Wala munang graduation ceremonies kasi hindi naman puwede talaga lalo na sa Luzon. Sa Visayas and Mindanao maraming local government ang nag-declare din ng lockdown, so dini-discourage na ‘yon,” Dobol B sa News TV quoted Briones as saying.
READ ALSO: Private schools in Metro Manila suspend classes amid Wuhan coronavirus outbreak
The secretary added that the students can get their school records as well as their graduation certificate, but there will be no traditional rites wherein relatives and parents will gather with the teachers and the rest of the graduating students.
She also said that they are in talks with parents and other stakeholders regarding the opening of the next school year, with many asking to permanently move it to July or August.
Currently, DepEd is strengthening its efforts to make online classes available to more students across the country.
SEE ALSO: PH eyes ‘selective quarantine if Luzon lockdown goals met
