A TikTok show or a graduation ceremony?

A viral video of the graduation rites at the Kapalong College of Technology has earned the ire of netizens as it captured graduates showing off inappropriate dance moves after receiving their diplomason stage.

The video surfaced over the weekend and has since been reposted several times online. It drew harsh comments from ordinary netizens to famous personalities, many of whom reminded of the policy of the Department of Education (DepEd) in holding graduation ceremonies.

DepEd’s Department Order No. 25, issued in 2017, states that “graduation rites shall be held with solemnity and dignity.”

Politician Rizalito David said it “makes [him] wonder if these children were educated and not just schooled.”

One netizen finds that the dance moves themselves were inappropriate for the solemn occasion. Some even took notice of the misspelling of the college name that seemed to be shown throughout the ceremony. 

Others pinned the blame on school management for allowing the graduates to conduct themselves in such a way, suggesting the DepEd look into the school and even consider its shutdown. Others said the culprit is the younger generation’s exposure to smartphones.

In any case, the video has sparked concerns over the behavior of younger generations and alleged insensitivity to traditions.