DepEd Chief: Celebrate Christmas in a Simple yet Meaningful Way
By JOLANIE E. BUCAD
Teacher II
Kinamlutan Elementary School
Butuan City
The Department of Education (DepEd) community is urged to strive for a genuine celebration of hope, unity, and service for others every Christmas season. “Celebrations in public schools should be simple yet meaningful, keeping in mind the true spirit of the season and the austerity called for by the difficult economic times,” said DepEd Secretary Sara Z. Duterte through DepEd Order No. 052, s. 2022, dated December 2.
The following guidelines should be observed: All Christmas parties, themes, costumes, decoration, and exchange gifts are voluntary. No learner or DepEd personnel should be forced to contribute, participate, or use their money for the celebration; No learner should be excluded from joining the Christmas celebration by reason of their failure to give the voluntary contribution or absence of a prepared gift; Celebrations in schools and in DepEd offices, as far as practicable, should be simple yet meaningful. Christmas party themes should not result to expenses that will become a burden on parents, students, and DepEd personnel; and Contributions for celebrations in schools or offices, whether in cash or in kind, should be strictly voluntary.
Also, Christmas parties in schools may be organized within class hours so long as it does not interfere with the scheduled lesson plans intended to be taught to the students.
DepEd personnel should be reminded that solicitations, whether in cash or in kind, are not allowed for Christmas parties or holiday celebrations. ###
