Parents and teachers said they agree with the Department of Education's order instructing schools to simplify Christmas parties and prohibiting mandatory contributions.

In an interview, Teacher Lylen Baluran said that they have been doing it already even before the pandemic.

"Even before the time of the pandemic, it is already observed during Christmas activities," said Baluran, a Grade Five teacher from Gen. Gregorio del Pilar Elementary School in Tondo, Manila.

She said that all contributions are on a voluntary basis.

"We even allow our pupils to bring their own food packs if they don't want to join the voluntary contribution for food preparation, especially those who are really in a tight budget, but we do include them also in gift giving… being prioritized," she added.

Head Teacher-1 Emmie Talua of Sta. Rosa National High School in Barangay Sta. Rosa, Barugo, Leyte said there is no need to have lavish Christmas parties in schools.

"Here in our school, it's (contribution) really voluntary, or if there are root crops, that's okay as long as we eat together at a long table," she said in Filipino.

As a parent, Princess Callueng said she sees nothing wrong with such DepEd order because children are okay with a simple celebration of Christmas party, stressing that the most important thing is that they enjoy the party together.

"In Fort Bonifacio Elementary School, joining in the exchange of gifts is voluntary. The children can still attend the party even if they are not included in the exchange of gifts because they can join the games and there are parents who pledged for Christmas giveaways," Callueng, mother of a Grade 3 pupil at Fort Bonifacio Elementary School in Makati City.

"With the simple cooperation of parents, they will make the children's Christmas party merrier and meaningful," she added.

For Karaine Tomon Adobas, also a mother of a Grade 3 pupil at Fort Bonifacio Elementary School, said she's okay with a simple Christmas party as long as this is memorable for the children.

"There is no need to have a fancy Christmas party, especially now that many parents have lost their jobs during the pandemic," she said.

The DepEd has reminded schools to hold a "simple yet meaningful" Christmas parties.

DepEd Order 52 series of 2022 signed by Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte also stated that the exchange gifts should be voluntary.