Abstract
What do annual graduation messages convey? What is the gist of the message? What common themes may be derived from these messages? These inquiries inform this study as annual graduation messages issued by the Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary are analysed. This paper recognizes the impact of each graduation message as it serves as a venue in capturing what DepEd attempts to relay to its stakeholders, particularly student graduates in the context of this paper. This study employs qualitative method using data available online. Graduation messages annually issued by DepEd are posted and accessible through online resources. Graduation messages issued from 2010-2019 are utilized in this study. Careful analysis of data reveals the following clustered themes: quality education as the key to transformation, education at the core of life’s challenges, Filipino learners transforming the future, stakeholders and learners towards a better education, and K-12 curriculum as the vehicle for success. Recognition has been given to stakeholders who play crucial roles in the education system and advocate its success. Also, social, cultural, and curricular aspects have also shaped how each graduation message is crafted and relayed to stakeholders.
Highlights
An academic graduation is a milestone celebrating success among stakeholders
Challenges are faced by students, as graduation rates increase, students struggle at the required competencies (Bromberg and Theokas, 2016)
What common themes may be derived from annual graduation messages? This inquiry generally informed this study as annual graduation messages issued by the Philippine Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary are analysed
Summary
An academic graduation is a milestone celebrating success among stakeholders. It signifies satisfactorily completing requirements that lead to awarding a particular degree, diploma, or certificate. Using Speech Act Theory as spring board of discussion for analysing graduation messages provides avenues for identifying how DepEd projects the image of the institution in relation to education stakeholders These send out strong message to students and parents in the midst of graduation celebration: what happens what the ceremonies mean, and how the past impacts future endeavour positively. With the theme “Hand in Hand Towards a Progressive Nation,” 2017 graduation message focuses on the great role of the stakeholders and learners, with their joint efforts and sacrifices, in order to attain the shared vision of quality, accessible, timely, and liberating basic education for all. The message given by the DepEd Secretary holds the hope and symbolism to inspire learners as they pursue a new chapter in their life
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