EDUCATION Secretary Leonor Briones is optimistic that schools will be able to hold physical graduation rites for School Year 2021-2022.

“‘Yung risk assessment natin sa mga different regions, sa mga different schools ay nag-improve. ‘Pag nag-tuloy-tuloy ito, the chances of being allowed to conduct face-to-face graduation also increases. Sunod-sunod ‘yan ‘pag nag-opening ka ng classes, nag-face-to-face (classes) ka, physical graduation rites are also possible,” Briones said.

“Ang hope lang natin, maabutan ng graduation season natin na hindi naman abutan ng hindi magandang balita (increase in Covid19 cases/alert level) kung may biglang pagbabago,” she added.

In anticipation of physical graduation rites, the Office of the Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction is crafting guidelines on the holding of the activity.

“Kami sa Curriculum and Instruction Strand ay nag-uusap na ng magiging guidelines. ‘Yung tanong na kung possible ang face-to-face graduation? Siyempre po kasi nga pinayagan na ang limited face-to-face, so ang ibig sabihin posible na rin ‘yung limited face-to-face graduation ceremonies,” Undersecretary Diosdado San Antonio said.

San Antonio, however,  said that graduation ceremonies will not be the same as health and safety protocols will be strictly observed.

“Huwag tayong umasa na katulad ng dati na napakaraming tao, ire-regulate po natin, susundin natin ‘yung mga social distancing requirements,” he said.

“May posibilidad na hindi lang isahan, baka may unang oras, isang grupo kung maliit ‘yung lugar na pagdarausan ng face-to-face graduation,” the official added.