To: Undersecretaries
Assistant Secretaries
Bureau Directors
Directors of Services, Centers and Heads of Units
Regional Directors
Schools Division/City Superintendents
Heads, Public Elementary and Secondary Schools
All Others Concerned

1. The severe difficulties during the past months arising from the global financial crisis and, more recently, the series of destructive typhoons have tested the Filipinos’ resiliency. Much suffering has been experienced; yet we end the year with the spirit unbowed and full of hope.
2. The Christmas season should be an occasion for thanksgiving and rejoicing. It also provides us the opportunity to imitate and live out the virtues which the Lord Jesus exemplified during His life here on earth, such as humility, simplicity, and obedience. Christmas celebrations in public schools and DepEd Central and field offices should be simple but meaningful, keeping in mind the true spirit of the season and the austerity called for by the difficult economic times. The following guidelines should be observed:
   1. Contributions for celebrations in schools or offices, whether in cash or in kind, should be strictly voluntary;
   2. Decorations should be simple, inexpensive and to the extent possible, produced by students and staffers;
   3. Gift-giving should be guided by the spirit of sharing and should not lead to extravagant spending;
   4. Schools or offices which decide to forego Christmas parties should consider donating the savings to relief assistance for families still reeling from the destruction caused by recent calamities; and
   5. Disruption of academic activities in schools and delivery of Departmental services should be minimized.
3. Any violation of the guidelines prescribed in this Order shall be subject to administrative action.
4. Immediate dissemination of and compliance with this Order is directed.

Reference: DepED Order: No. 74, s. 2008 Allotment: 1—(D.O. 50-97)

To be indicated in the Perpetual Index under the following subjects:
CELEBRATIONS & FESTIVALS
SCHOOLS
EMPLOYEES
STUDENTS
OFFICIALS

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