It is a common practice for graduating students to wear a ceremonial garment called toga. It is a symbol of academic achievement – and a photo of a student sporting themselves wearing it surely brings pride.

A school head in Antique, however, turned a somewhat expected to be a solemn event into a nationwide news, generating uproar from witnesses and netizens.

The principal rejects wearing of toga during graduation, and public uproar took place.

Laua-an School Head

In a now-viral story, the school principal of Colonel Ruperto Abellon National High School School in Laua-an town has disallowed the use of toga during the school’s recent April 2025 graduation rites.

Parents disclosed that they had prior agreements that they would be allowed to wear the ceremonial garment on the ceremony. But the school principal went against it.

She, the SH, said, the students would only wear their school uniforms and sashes. Further instructing class advisers to write down the names of students who violated the supposed dress code.

“We are training our learners to be disciplined and obedient to authority… I don’t want our learners to be bastos.”

The video shows students in tears, while others were chanting “toga, toga, toga” to make principal change her mind. It did not.

Statement from Schools Division of Antique

The Schools Division of Antique said that they have already organized an investigation team to look into the incident, and the school head other officials concerned were requested to submit an incident report with appropriate intervention plan.

The SDO said, “The investigation is currently ongoing and further updates shall be issued by this Office through appropriate channels. We are committed to providing a comprehensive and accurate account of the incident. Rest assured this Office treats this matter with utmost urgency, importance, and diligence.”

They assured appropriate interventions to be implemented to ensure the mental and psychological well-being of the learners involved.

In addition, it stated: “While waiting for the incident reports from all concerned parties, we assure the public that this Office shall 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.”

Statement from the Department of Education

Wearing of togas during graduation and moving-up ceremonies is not prohibited, the country’s education department said in a statement.

Nonetheless, it could be worn as an optional supplementary garment. This is according to DepEd Memorandum No. 27, s. 2025 and under DepEd Order No. 009, s. 2023, which prescribes attire for graduation and moving-up ceremonies – which includes casual or formal wear or the school uniform.

In short, the wearing of toga is not prohibited nor required but optional.

While the government agency encourages simplicity to ease the financial burden of families, it said that these must be interpreted and implemented with discernment and must not lead to exclusion, embarrassment, or marginalization of any learner.

DepEd has also asked the principal to explain her side of the incident as part of their intervention and investigation.

It directed its 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.”

Teachers’ Dignity Coalition condemns the incident

Teachers’ Dignity Coalition had condemned the graduation incident, saying it “undermined a significant student milestone” and “unacceptable.”

TDC Chairperson Benjo Basas said graduation rites should focus on the students and should take place with solemnity and formality.

He said school heads should have had a thorough understanding of all graduation details and should have resolved potential issues beforehand.

Basas further said such internal agreements should be handled in proper forums and not in a scandalous and traumatic manner.

“Dapat pinag-usapan at pinagkasunduan muna nila ito sa simula pa lang at hindi na pinaabot pa sa mismong araw ng seremonya.”

While acknowledging that DepEd does not prohibit the wearing of togas, the TDC Chairperson said togas holds deep meaning – especially for poor families  – and should not be considered extravagant.

“Nagsisilbi itong sense of pride and inspiration sa mga bata para lalong magsumikap,” further saying the ceremony might be the last time the students as many of have might not have the opportunity to attend college.

“After all, the ceremony is for the students. The best way to teach professionalism, decency, and calm to our learners is to set a good example.” 

Sources: Antique News Update Today, Manila Bulletin, The Summit Express