The Department of Education (DepEd) announces the conduct of the End-of- School-Year (EOSY) Rites for Kindergarten, Grade 6, Grade 10, and Grade 12 learners in public schools, as well as Alternative Learning System (ALS) learners who satisfactorily meet the curriculum requirements at the end of the school year (SY) 2025-2026.

Pursuant to DepEd Order (DO) No. 012, s. 2025, titled Multi-Year Implementing Guidelines on the School Calendar and Activities, the SY 2025-2026 shall end on March 31, 2026. Thus, the EOSY Rites shall be conducted on either March 30 or 31, 2026.

The theme of the SY 2025-2026 EOSY Rites shall be Filipino Graduates: Prepared to Lead with Competence and Character (Pilipinong Nagsipagtapos: Handang Mamuno nang May Kakayahan at Mabuting Pagkatao).

This theme highlights the Department's commitment to holistic education that goes beyond academic achievement, ensuring that learners are equipped with the essential knowledge, values, and skills needed to navigate higher education, employment, entrepreneurship, and middle-level skills development. It affirms DepEd's dedication to nation-building by shaping graduates who are not only academically prepared but also committed to serving the Filipino people. It underscores that, alongside competence, Filipino graduates are nurtured to become morally upright, compassionate, and service-oriented individuals who can lead with integrity and contribute positively to their communities and the nation.

The following provisions stipulated in DO 009, s. 2023, titled An Order Updating the Multi-Year Implementing Guidelines on the Conduct of the K to 12 Basic Education Program EOSY Rites, are reiterated: 

a. Graduation and Moving-Up Ceremonies shall be simple yet meaningful. While these rites mark a milestone in learners' lives, they shall be conducted without excessive spending, extravagant attire, or extraordinary venues.
b. Non-academic projects articulated in DO 66, s. 2017, titled Implementing Guidelines on the Conduct of Off-Campus Activities, such as attendance at field trips, film showings, Junior-Senior Promenade, and other school events, shall not be imposed as graduation or completion requirements.
c. For public schools, expenses relative to the activity shall be charged to the school's Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE), subject to existing guidelines. No individual shall be allowed to collect any kind of contribution or fee from learners and teachers for the graduation or moving-up ceremonies, in accordance with the provisions of DO 19, s. 2008, titled Implementation of the No Collection Policy in All Public Elementary and Secondary Schools.
d. The format of the certificate of completion and diploma shall be in accordance with Enclosure No. 1, pages 44-46, of DO 031, s. 2019, titled The Department of Education Service Marks and Visual Identity Manual.
The following provisions stipulated in DO 012, s. 2025, are likewise reiterated:
a. The School Awards Committee shall deliberate on awards and recognitions at least five calendar days before the EOSY Rites to determine the learners eligible for recognition and awards.
b. Public schools are strictly prohibited from requiring learners to accomplish EOSY financial clearances, in compliance with DO 19, s. 2008.

c. The last class day of the SY shall be clearly indicated on all relevant school forms requiring such entry. This includes, but is not limited to, academic reports and other official school documents. Additionally, this date shall be communicated to learners, parents or legal guardians, and school personnel in a timely manner to ensure clarity and seamless coordination.
All learners, including transferees, who have met the standards, criteria, and guidelines set forth in DO 36, s. 2016, titled Policy Guidelines on Awards and Recognition for the K to 12 Basic Education Program, shall be recognized.
7. To ensure the safety and protection of learners, teachers, and attendees, schools are advised to conduct their EOSY Rites in indoor venues with proper ventilation or in covered courts to avoid exposure to extreme heat. Schools shall avoid scheduling their EOSY Rites during the hottest hours of the day, when temperatures are at their peak.