THE DEPARTMENT of Education said that students must secure parental consent before joining face-to-face end-of-school-year rites.

Schools in areas under Alert Levels 1 and 2 were authorized to hold restricted face-to-face ceremonies or EOSY rites, Education Undersecretary Diosdado San Antonio said.

“Schools must obtain parental consent for learners to attend the face-to-face ceremony,” San Antonio said.

“Palagi nating nirerespeto ang desisyon ng mga magulang,” he added.

The DepEd said that health protocols should be followed during the face-to-face ceremony such as wearing face masks. Participants must maintain a safe distance of at least one meter,  must stay in their designated seats and must not shake hands or make any physical contact with other attendees.

San Antonio said that schools in areas under Alert Levels 3, 4 or 5 can have virtual ceremonies for their end-of-year rites.

“Only the completers, their parents or guardians, teachers, school officials, and invited guests shall be present during the virtual rites,” he said.

Schools will hold EOSY rituals from June 27 to July 2.