The Department of Education (DepEd) has issued guidelines on the conduct of Christmas parties in public schools and its field offices, emphasizing that involuntary contributions for any kind of celebration are prohibited.

Under DepEd Order (DO) No. 52 issued last week, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio said celebrations in public schools, as well as the DepEd central and field offices, should be "simple yet meaningful, keeping in mind the true spirit of the season and the austerity called for by the difficult economic times."

"Celebrations in schools and 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," Duterte said.

Other guidelines included in the order are as follows:

• No student or personnel should be forced to contribute, participate or use their money for the celebration
• No learners should be excluded from participating in the Christmas party in case they won’t voluntarily contribute or offer a prepared gift
• Contributions for celebrations in schools or offices, whether in cash or in kind, should be strictly voluntary
• DepEd personnel should be reminded that solicitations, whether in cash or in kind, are not allowed for Christmas parties or holiday celebrations

The order also noted that parties may be arranged during class hours “so long as it does not interfere with the scheduled lesson plans.”

Inn holding Christmas get-togethers and other year-end activities, DepEd said that the provision of departmental services must not be compromised.

Meanwhile, private schools, community learning centers, and state or local universities and colleges have the option to adopt the order’s provisions in implementing their respective Christmas gatherings, Duterte said.