The Department of Education Division of Bacolod City (DepEd-Bacolod) yesterday discouraged teachers from holding “lavish” Christmas parties and instead suggested simple and meaningful celebrations.

“There is nothing wrong if they want to celebrate with good food and nice clothes, but [DepEd-Bacolod] is not encouraging it,” said DepEd-Bacolod Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Michell Acoyong. “Instead of celebrating a lavish party, they should donate the majority of their funds to the victims of conflict in Marawi.”

The local DepEd official also discussed monetary contributions from students and parents, noting, even if an amount is agreed upon, teachers should find other options for the students and parents if they cannot provide the expected amount.

In the event parents or students are being pressured to provide a large amount of money for a Christmas party, Acoyong advised them to resolve the issue on the school level by filing a complaint with the school principal before escalating the issue to the department./DGB, WDJ