MANILA – Lahat ng Christmas party contribution o exchange gift ay dapat na boluntaryo lamang para sa mga mag-aaral at guro sa mga paaralan, ayon sa Department of Education (DepEd).

Sinabi ni Vice President Sara Duterte, na lumagda sa Department Order (DO) 52, na walang dapat pilitin na magbayad ng anumang gastusin kaugnay sa pagdiriwang.

“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,” ani Duterte, na kasabay ding Education secretary.

Sinabi rin ng DepEd na hindi dapat maging pabigat sa mga magulang o mga kalahok na mag-aaral ang mga Christmas party.

“Celebrations in schools and in DepEd offices, as far as practicable, should be simple yet meaningful. Christmas party themes should not result in expenses that will become a burden on parents, students, and DepEd personnel,” wika nito.

Sinabi ng DepEd na ang mga kontribusyon, parehong cash o in kind, ay dapat manatiling opsyonal at hindi dapat maging batayan ng partisipasyon ng mga mag-aaral.

“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,” isinaad nito.

Binalaan din ng DepEd ang mga guro at iba pang tauhan ng DepEd laban sa mga solicitation.

“DepEd personnel should be reminded that solicitations, whether in cash or in kind, are not allowed for Christmas parties or holiday celebrations,” dagdag nito.