Trisha Segumban and Benedict Maravilla

The Department of Education (DepEd) Central Office is investigating a controversial incident that occurred during a senior high school graduation ceremony in the Division of Antique, where students were reportedly not allowed from wearing togas, resulting in distress among learners and their families and prompting questions about the proper implementation of graduation policies. 

Photo Courtesy of Philippine Star.

In a statement released on April 17, DepEd expressed their regret towards the incident where Venus Divinia Nietes, principal of Col. Ruperto Abellon National High School, ordered the students to take off the togas that they were wearing during the ceremony.

DepEd emphasized that there is no prohibition on the wearing of togas during graduation ceremonies, as clarified under DepEd Memorandum No. 027, s. 2025 and DepEd Order No. 009, s. 2023. 

Under these guidelines, the prescribed attire for graduation and moving-up rites includes casual or formal wear or the school uniform, with toga or sablay permitted as optional supplementary garments. 

“...Under DepEd Order No. 009, s. 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,” the statement read.

DepEd’s statement was in response to multiple viral videos that made rounds on the internet when Venus Divinia Nietes, principal of Col. Ruperto Abellon National High School scolded the students for not wearing the ‘prescribed uniform’ for the graduation.

Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara assured the public that the department is closely monitoring the situation and has initiated appropriate investigation procedures to establish the facts and determine accountability. 

A faculty member was then seen running towards the stage and supported the students by pleading to the school head to allow them to wear their togas. 

Nietes also ordered to hold the release of the diploma of the students who had worn toga during the ceremony and said to only get them from her office.

In an interview by GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas with Gilmore Nunieza, a parent of a graduate, the latter said that they were disappointed by the attitude shown to them by the principal.

“Nag-expect talaga ang parents na mag-toga ang mga bata. Sa part namin, ang sakripisyo, ang hirap, lahat nagbunga. Hindi naman nakalagay doon na bawal ang toga,” he said.

DepED Antique also released a statement regarding the toga incident on April 16, saying that they will ensure that the learners shall be given their rights to receive their diplomas and other graduation credentials.

They also vowed to implement interventions to address the psychological needs of the learners who were present in the ceremony.

The Department warned the officials who are found to have misapplied policies or caused emotional harm to students through negligence or misconduct may face appropriate administrative sanctions. 

DepEd continues to encourage the public to refrain from spreading unverified information and to await official findings as the investigation proceeds.