ANTIQUE – The Department of Education (DepEd) Central Office clarified that its policy does not prohibit wearing of togas in graduation ceremonies.
This comes after Venus Divinia Nietes, the school head of Col. Ruperto Abellon National High School in Laua-an town, ordered the graduating senior high school (SHS) learners to remove their togas while the graduation program was ongoing on April 15, saying it was not the prescribed uniform for their graduation ceremony based on DepEd policy.
“The DepEd acknowledges the reported incident involving a school head and graduating senior high school students in the Province of Antique, wherein wearing togas during the graduation ceremony became a point of contention. The department deeply regrets that this occasion, which should have been a moment of pride and celebration, became a source of distress for the learners and their families,” read part of the official statement released by DepEd on Maundy Thursday, April 17.
It added: “DepEd policy does not prohibit the wearing of togas. There is no prohibition under DepEd Memorandum No. 27, Series 2025 and under DepEd Order No. 009, Series of 2023, the prescribed attire for graduation and moving-up ceremonies includes casual or formal wear or the school uniform. The toga or sablay may be worn as an optional supplementary garment.”
According to DepEd, these guidelines were adopted to encourage simplicity, promote inclusivity, and ease the financial burden on families. However, such policies must be interpreted and implemented with discernment and never result in any learner’s exclusion, embarrassment, or marginalization.
“Given the incident, the department has initiated the appropriate investigation processes to verify the cats and determine accountability, if warranted,” it said.
DepEd reiterated its directive to all school officials to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, compassion, and respect in implementing policies, ensuring at all times the protection of the rights and dignity of every learner.
Last week, the Schools Division (SDO) of Antique expressed they were saddened by the said incident.
Following this, they established an investigation team and ordered the school head and other concerned officials to submit incident reports with appropriate intervention plan.
The investigation is currently ongoing and further updates shall be issued by SDO-Antique through appropriate channels.
“SDO-Antique is committed to providing a comprehensive and accurate account of the incident and rest assured this office treats this matter with utmost urgency, importance, and diligence,” it said.
While waiting for the incident reports from all concerned parties, SDO-Antique assured the public that it will exhaust all means to ensure that affected learners will not be deprived of their rights and privileges as graduates, such as receiving their diplomas, certificates, and other credentials.
“Appropriate interventions shall be implemented as soon as possible to ensure that learners’ mental and psychological needs shall be appropriately addressed,” it added./PN
