In a heartfelt appeal to parents, teachers are urging them to reconsider presenting extravagant gifts like “money bouquets” and “money garlands” during graduation ceremonies. This comes amid concerns that such displays may overshadow students’ academic achievements and personal growth.
Gerva Mark Tafalla, a Social Studies teacher at Pintong Gubat Elementary School in Dasmariñas City, has sparked significant online discussion with his viral Facebook post, which has amassed 60,000 shares. Tafalla suggested that parents should wait until after the ceremony to present these gifts.
“Parents should hang the money garlands after the graduation ceremony and not during the ceremony itself, and especially not right when the student goes up on stage,” Tafalla advised. He emphasized that not all students come from financially well-off families and that the intention behind giving money garlands is to appreciate the child’s achievement, not to flaunt wealth.
Alice Ecila, a teacher at DepEd Tayo Blue Rizal San Guillermo Elementary School, echoed Tafalla’s sentiments in her own Facebook post, which has garnered over 16,000 shares. “This is just a reminder and not meant to oppose anyone. You never know, other parents have gone through hardships just to put their children through school. Let’s be responsible in all our actions. If you’re blessed with money, please be considerate of those around you,” Ecila wrote.