MANILA, Philippines - No graduation fees. Only academic requirements for graduation. No political campaigns during graduation ceremonies.

These are among the directives of the Department of Education for this year's (2013) graduation rites.

"It is a part of DepEd’s public service to the people to give a simple yet unforgettable graduation for students, and that they deserve a ceremony without paying a cent," Education Secretary Armin Luistro said in a statement.

Graduation rites, according to Luistro, should reinforce civic duty, a sense of community and personal responsibility. He remarked that a graduation ceremony can be memorable and exciting without extravagant expenses.

Furthermore, DepEd warned political candidates against using graduation ceremonies as a platform for political campaigns. DepEd reiterated that a graduation ceremony is a solemn event intended for the graduating students and parents.

In line with the current education reform agenda, DepEd’s graduation theme for this year is "Building the Nation’s Future Leaders Through the K to 12 Basic Education Program." According to DepEd, schools must schedule graduation rites on the 18^th or 19^th of March.

Schools that violate the graduation guidelines and policy of DepEd must be reported to DeTXT Action Center through telephone numbers 636-1663 or 633-1942. - With a report from Bon S. Cabiles/Rappler.com