DepEd probes toga removal in a graduation ceremony in Antique

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Department of Education (DepEd) is investigating a graduation ceremony in Antique, in which the school head asked graduating senior high school students to remove their toga.

Based on videos circulating on social media, students were chanting “toga” after the school principal said their graduation attire should be the school uniform and a “sablay,” a garment worn over the shoulder.

The DepEd said the prescribed attire for graduation is casual or formal wear or the school uniform. It clarified that wearing of toga or sablay is optional and not prohibited in its policies.

“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,” the DepEd said in a statement on Thursday, April 17.

“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,” the agency said.

The DepEd said processes have been launched to verify the facts and hold accountability if needed.

The agency called on school officials anew to practice the highest standards of professionalism, compassion, and respect in policy implementation.