Ang Probinsyano Party-list Rep. Alfred delos Santos (Contributed photo)

Ang Probinsyano Party-list Rep. Alfred delos Santos has taken up the cudgels for graduating students and their parents in the viral "toga-shaming" issue.

In a statement Tuesday, April 22, Delos Santos stressed the importance of respecting the choices of students and their families regarding graduation attire, especially in rural communities like those in Antique, where wearing a toga is seen as a symbol of pride and a once-in-a-lifetime moment for many families.

This, after the recent incident at Col. Ruperto Abellon National School in the province, where students were instructed to remove their togas during their graduation ceremony, as the school principal claimed that it was not the prescribed attire. 

The incident sparked widespread reactions online, as many parents and students expressed disappointment over what they felt was a humiliating enforcement of rules during what should have been a joyful milestone.

Delos Santos of Ang Probinsyano Party-list has called for a more compassionate and culturally sensitive approach to graduation attire policies.

“Ang graduation ay mahalagang kaganapan sa buhay ng ating mga kabataan at kanilang pamilya. Dugo’t pawis ang ibinuhos ng mga estudyante at magulang upang maabot ang espesyal na araw na ito. Ito ay panahon ng selebrasyon at hindi paghihigpit para magpatupad ng mga patakarang makasisira lamang sa kasiyahan at selebrasyon ng kanilang tagumpay,” he stated.

(Graduation is an important milestone in the lives of our youth and their families. Students and parents have poured their blood, sweat, and tears to reach this special day. It is a time for celebration, not restrictions that impose policies which only dampen the joy and triumph of their achievement.)

The Department of Education (DepEd) has since clarified that its guidelines do not prohibit the use of togas or graduation garb. 

According to DepEd Order No. 9, s. 2023, as reiterated in DepEd Memorandum No. 027, s. 2025, “Casual or formal wear, or school uniform, shall remain as the recommended moving up or graduation attire. Toga or ‘sablay’ can be worn as an additional garb.”

Delos Santos also noted that while the policies promote simplicity and inclusivity, their implementation should never lead to exclusion, shame, or discomfort among students.

“Dapat siguruhin natin na ang mga ginagawang patakaran ay ipinatutupad nang may malasakit at pang-unawa, at laging isinasaalang-alang o kinukonsidera ang kapakanan ng ating mga magaaral. At kung may mga concern o aberya man, pwede namang pag-usapan sa mahinahon at mabuting usapan,” he added.

(We must ensure that the policies being implemented are carried out with compassion and understanding, always considering the well-being of our students. And if there are concerns or issues, they can always be discussed calmly and properly.)

Delos Santos urged schools to focus on what truly matters—the success, dignity, and emotional well-being of the graduates. 

“This is why we need to commit to supporting education policies that are not only inclusive and equitable but also deeply respectful of Filipino family values, culture, and community pride” he explained.