ILOILO — The Department of Education (DepEd) in Western Visayas has tightened its enforcement of the no-collection and non-compulsory participation rules for school Christmas parties, stressing that no learner must be excluded for failing to give money, bring gifts, or prepare food.
DepEd Region 6 issued the reminder after reports of some schools allegedly pressuring students to contribute for class festivities.
Through Regional Memorandum No. 1229, the agency reiterated that Christmas celebrations must remain “simple, safe, and meaningful,” without placing any financial burden on families.
According to DepEd-6 information officer Hernani Escullar Jr., while the department encourages participation, attendance and contributions must be strictly voluntary.
“Nagpagwa kita sang Regional Memorandum No. 1229 or the Multiyear guideline in celebrating Christmas in simple safe and meaningful ways sa aton sini nga mga eskwelahan… ang mga kabataan ‘they are not required to participate’ sa sining Christmas Party, but gina-encourage naton sila nga mag join… kay number one, gusto naton nga i-emphasize gid ang spirit of sharing,” Escullar told Panay News.
He stressed that lack of contribution can never be grounds for exclusion.
“It doesn’t mean nga ang isa ka bata… wala siya sang amot… indi na siya maka-join, no that’s not the case… Nakabutang gid sa DepEd Order 52 series of 2022, nga ‘No learner shall be excluded from joining the Christmas celebration by reason of their failure to give the voluntary contribution or absence of a prepared gift.’”
Religious inclusivity emphasized
Escullar also clarified that Christian-themed celebrations must not discriminate against students of other faiths.
“And it doesn’t mean man nga kon lain ang religion sang bata, gina-exclude naton sila… we respect kon ma-join ang bata even if lain iya nga relihiyon… welcome gid ina siya,” he said.
DepEd: No solicitations, no off-campus parties
DepEd-6 reiterated the region-wide enforcement of the “no collection policy,” prohibiting schools from soliciting cash or goods for holiday events.
“We are not allowed to solicit whether in cash and in kind for Christmas parties and holiday celebrations,” Escullar stressed.
He also warned schools against holding parties outside campus without proper supervision, citing safety concerns.
“The venue must be in school premises… likawan gid naton nga may matabo nga malain sa aton nga mga kabataan,” he said, adding that parental consent is required for participation.
Safety protocols: No parties beyond 4 p.m.
DepEd-6 also set time and food-safety safeguards.
“We must ensure that the celebrations do not extend beyond 4 PM to prioritize the safety of our students,” Escullar said.
“Para ma-avoid man naton ang food poisoning… preparations sang pagkaon must be handled properly,” he added.
Schools are encouraged to recycle decorations, manage waste responsibly, and coordinate with local authorities for peace and order.
Christmas break schedule
Escullar confirmed the official vacation dates: “Based sa aton DepEd calendar, maga-start ang aton nga Christmas break on December 20, kag magabalik on January 5 of 2026.”
He also underscored the importance of parental awareness and consent in all activities.
“It is crucial that parents are informed and consent to their children’s participation in school events,” he added./PN
