ILOILO City – More than 320,000 learners in Western Visayas have successfully graduated this School Year 2024–2025 despite the sweltering summer heat and election season tensions, according to the Department of Education (DepEd) Region 6.
A total of 320,705 learners from public and private institutions completed their academic levels, with 168,025 graduating from Grade 6 and 152,680 from senior high school under the K to 12 program.
Of the total, 279,175 were from public schools, 41,071 from private schools, and 484 from state and local colleges and universities.
In addition to graduates, 268,451 learners were recorded as “movers” — students progressing from Kindergarten (122,331) and Grade 10 (146,120). The majority, or 236,736 movers, were enrolled in public schools.
Overall, the region posted a combined total of 589,181 learners either graduating or moving up this school year, with public school learners comprising the bulk at 515,911, followed by 72,209 from private schools and 1,061 from SUCs and LUCs.
DepEd Region 6 information officer Hernani Escullar Jr. said all public schools across the region held their graduation and moving-up ceremonies on April 14 to 15, while private schools were given discretion over their own schedules.
The conduct of End-of-School-Year (EOSY) rites was guided by DepEd Memorandum No. 027, Series of 2025, issued by Education Secretary Sonny Angara. The memo emphasized that graduation and moving-up activities must remain “simple but meaningful,” discouraging unnecessary expenses, lavish clothing, and extravagant venues.
To ensure neutrality ahead of the May 12 national and local elections, the memo also reminded all DepEd personnel to refrain from engaging in partisan political activity, as reiterated under Department Order No. 048, Series of 2018.
Given the ongoing extreme heat in the country, DepEd also instructed schools to avoid holding ceremonies during peak afternoon hours and to opt for indoor or well-ventilated venues to safeguard the health of learners, teachers, and guests./PN