A SENIOR high school in Panabo City held the first virtual graduation rite in Davao Region.
In a Facebook post of the City Government of Panabo, about 562 students of Panabo City Senior High School (PCSHS) were conferred as graduates in a Facebook live on Wednesday, May 13.
In the Facebook live, the usual graduation program was followed except that the photos of the students were flashed on the screen while their names were called in lieu of the distribution of the diploma.
The organizers also decorated a room similar to a graduation backdrop where the honor students and some school officials delivered their speeches and addresses, clad in their formal attires and togas, respectively.
The students also performed their graduation song from their homes.
Among the officials who gave their messages to the graduates were Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor M. Briones, DepEd Assistant Secretary Alberto T. Escobarte, DepEd Davao Region Regional Director Evelyn R. Fetalvero, and guest speaker Dr. Janette G. Veloso.
The current health crisis and the quarantine measure being implemented around the region have prohibited large events and mass gatherings such as graduation ceremonies.
Panabo City Schools Division Superintendent Reynante A. Solitario said the students expressed their desire to experience a graduation ceremony amid the health crisis.
"When we got the pulse of the learners, all of them desired to have a graduation ceremony being an apt time to celebrate their success. We, in the Division of Panabo City, cannot afford not to grant their desires," he said.
Because of this, he said five more schools in Panabo City are scheduled to hold their respective virtual graduation rites starting May 18 to 22.
These schools are the Kauswagan National High School, A.O. Floirendo National High School, Salvacion Elementary School, Panabo Central Elementary School, and Panabo National High School.
"With the Division Office team's guidance and assistance, the virtual graduation was organized and conducted. There has been sharing not only of resources but also of technical manpower so that these pilot schools can make their VGs (virtual graduations) better, truly remarkable, and worth-cherishing," Solitario said.
Solitario said the first virtual graduation was done through the Microsoft Teams Live events. It was then aired live on Facebook and was watched by a number of students and parents, teachers, and school officials.
"Partnership with Microsoft Philippines contributed a big factor to the event. The partnerships as well with PLDT as they increased the bandwidth of the school for that particular day and the Davao Light and Power Corporation have contributed greatly too for the VG's success," he said.
He said many schools have also expressed interest in doing the same with their graduates.
"Despite being physically and socially-isolated, we can still be connected virtually. Dreams and accomplishments are well-appreciated and well-wishes and congratulations are extended through a wider scale," Solitario said.
