Mc Richard Paglicawan
In a recent Facebook post, teacher and content creator Alice Ecila has urged parents to stop giving Money Garlands to their children during graduation ceremonies, citing concerns about the negative impact on other students’ mental health.
Alice Ecila expressed her concerns that such displays of wealth could lead to feelings of envy and inadequacy among students who do not receive similar gifts. Money Garlands, which are large ribbons made by stacking paper bills together, are often seen as status symbols.
In her post, Ecila wrote, “Munting pakiusap para sa mga magulang na magbibigay ng Money Garland… Sana po ay huwag po ninyong isabit ito sa mga anak niyo habang nagaganap ang seremonya ng graduation. Para ipakita sa mga tao na higit na sagana kayo kaysa sa nakararami. Alam ko po na ang magiging rason niyo eh gusto niyo eh, karapatan niyo un, pero ang hindi niyo po alam malaki epekto nito sa mga batang hindi mabibigyan ng ganyan.”
She continued, “Magkakaroon sila ng inggit at mababang pagtingin sa kanilang mga magulang. Madami ang magsasabi ‘Sana All’ pero deep inside ang nasa isip nila ‘sana ako din may ganun’. Paalala lamang ito at hindi po ito pangongontra. Malay mo yung ibang magulang halos gumapang sa hirap mapagtapos lang ang kanilang mga anak. Be responsible in all our actions.”
Ecila’s post has gone viral, receiving thousands of shares and sparking a widespread conversation about humility and sensitivity during such celebratory events.
Supportive comments have poured in from netizens. One user, May Ann, commented, “Yes po Tama, para sa mata ng ibang bata inggit mananaig, kahit naman sino mapapa ‘Sana all’ na lang.”
Another user, Eleanor, remarked, “Be humble always. Maganda maipamana sa mga anak ang pagkakaroon ng mababang loob. Tamang wag ipractice ang ganito kasi ang edukasyon naman, ke mayaman ke mahirap ka, basta nagsisikap lahat pwede makatapos.”
Currently, there are no official guidelines banning Money Garlands during graduation ceremonies. However, Ecila’s appeal highlights the importance of considering the broader implications of such practices on the student community.
