By Moneth G. Deposa
Variety News Staff

THE Public School System will hold “simple” commencement exercises this year in light of the government’s worsening financial problems.
The 20 public schools on Rota, Saipan, and Tinian are scheduled to hold graduation ceremonies this month or in early June.
Junior and high school principals representative Vincent Dela Cruz said schools have already completed their plans, which he described as “simple but memorable.”
“We informed the (education) commissioner about how each school will hold their graduation rites. He gave us the opportunity to decide how,” Dela Cruz told Variety yesterday.
Due to limited funding for schools, he added, principals are planning simple recognition ceremonies for the graduating students.
Dela Cruz, who is the principal of Chacha Oceanview Junior High, said his school will stick to the traditional daytime graduation rites on campus scheduled for June 5.
He said a night-time ceremony might have “forced” parents to throw a party for students.
“We did this one time bu because we know that this is a very difficult time for our parents, we don’t want to add to their burden. After the ceremony, they can just treat the graduates to a restaurant and that’s it,” he said.
Dela Cruz said he has limited the graduation expenses to $300-$400 this year.
He said they will not require graduates to wear gowns during the occasion.
“We want our graduation to be simple yet meaningful to our students. We have nearly 200 who will graduate this year,” he said.
According to Jonas Barcinas, Dandan Elementary School principal and former principals representative, it is the decision of every school to consult and collaborate with their PTAs regarding commencement exercises.
“Every year, schools spend money on graduation rites. Because we want simple rites this year, I think most of the schools are working with their PTAs and the community on…how they want it to be done,” Barcinas told Variety.
Last year, about $3,000 was spent by DES, he said.
“We’re looking at a very minimal cost this year because we now have our multi-purpose stage on campus. We’re reducing our expenses and we’re working on donations from stakeholders like tents, tables, and chairs for the occasion,” he said.
Barcinas said they may give certificates instead of medals and trophies to recognize student achievement.
“This is one option that we will present to our PTA to save money,” he said.
DES has 76 graduating students from the elementary level and 63 from kindergarten.
Its ceremony is scheduled for May 25.