The Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday said students who completed Grade 6 in the school year 2018-2019 will have a graduation ceremony after all.

The Deped clarified the matter after it issued an order in February stating that only those who will finish Grade 12 will be entitled to graduation ceremonies this year.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones wrote in DepEd Memorandum No. 025, s. 2019 dated March 1: “This Memorandum clarifies that the end of school year rites for Grade 6 completers this School Year 2018-2019 shall be a graduation ceremony, as stated in the attached DepEd Order No. 2, series of 2019, issued on February 18, 2019.”

Briones said the moving-up ceremony instead of a graduation for Grade 6 completers is being discussed by the DepEd executive committee.

“Should this be approved, DepEd assures all concerned that this will be announced with sufficient lead time,” Briones said.

The Education secretary apologized to the public for any inconvenience or convenience the previous order caused.

The DepEd also said end-of-school-year rites should be conducted not earlier than April 1 but not later than April 5.

It also said graduation rites and moving up or completion ceremonies should be simple.