At the end of every school year, the Department of Education (DepEd) upholds its long-standing policy of reminding schools, especially public ones, to conduct graduation and moving-up ceremonies in a “simple yet meaningful” manner, avoiding additional financial burdens on families already struggling to make ends meet.

Alongside its reiterated “no collection” policy, DepEd consistently emphasized the importance of preserving the solemnity of graduation ceremonies, discouraging extravagant attire or venues.

In line with this reminder, most schools have discontinued the use of the toga. It has become a tradition in many public schools for students to wear their school uniforms during graduation.

However, a recent viral video taken at a senior high school in Laua-an, Antique, has sparked controversy over DepEd’s graduation guidelines—particularly regarding the use of the toga.

In the widely circulated video, a graduation ceremony was interrupted when a school head instructed students to remove their togas, allegedly citing DepEd’s guidelines on simplicity and the “no collection” policy.

The same video shows the situation escalating when a teacher confronted the school head onstage—right at the area designated for diploma distribution.

The clash triggered an uproar among the crowd, with some students shouting and hurling insults at the principal.

In response, the principal instructed teacher-advisers to record the names of disruptive students—a decision that further fueled the turmoil.

The viral video has since gathered thousands of reactions on social media, sparking debate on what transpired and the need to clarify DepEd’s existing policies.

DepEd explains

In a statement issued on April 17, DepEd responded to the graduation incident in Antique and expressed “deep regret” over what transpired.

DepEd said that it had “acknowledged the reported incident” involving a school head and graduating senior high school (SHS) students in the Province of Antique, where the wearing of togas became a “point of contention” during the ceremony on April 15.

“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.

“For clarification, DepEd policy does not prohibit the wearing of togas,” the department said. “The toga or sablay may be worn as an optional supplementary garment,” it added.

DepEd explained that there is “no prohibition” under DepEd Memorandum No. 27, series of 2025, and DepEd Order No. 009, series of 2023. These documents state that the prescribed attire for graduation and moving-up ceremonies may include casual or formal wear or the school uniform.

“These guidelines were adopted to encourage simplicity, promote inclusivity, and ease the financial burden on families,” DepEd said.

The department also noted that while such policies are in place, they “must be interpreted and implemented with discernment and must never result in any learner's exclusion, embarrassment, or marginalization.”

Investigation underway

Given the incident, DepEd said it has initiated “appropriate investigation processes to verify the facts and determine accountability, if warranted.”

DepEd also 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.”

Teachers’ group reacts

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC), in a statement, condemned the incident, noting that it “undermined a significant student milestone.”

The group lamented that “what was supposed to be a solemn and celebratory graduation ceremony turned into chaos.”

TDC Chairperson Benjo Basas emphasized that graduation rites should “focus on the students—their struggles, accomplishments, and future endeavors.”

Basas also stressed that it is the responsibility of the school, especially the school head, to maintain the “solemnity and formality” of the ceremonies.

“Even if there are internal disagreements, these must be handled in the proper forums—not in a scandalous and traumatic manner,” he added.

Basas noted that the principal's abrupt decision “triggered confusion and disappointment” among the graduates.

While acknowledging the authority of school principals over teachers, Basas raised concerns about how something as seemingly minor as student attire could escalate into a dramatic confrontation.

He emphasized that the school head should have had a thorough understanding of all graduation details—from the program flow to guest speakers and attire—and should have resolved potential issues beforehand.

“Ang principal natin ay decisive sa school, kaya alam niya ang lahat ng detalye (Our principal is decisive at school, so she knows all the details),” Basas said.

“Dapat pinag-usapan at pinagkasunduan muna nila ito sa simula pa lang at hindi na pinaabot pa sa mismong araw ng seremonya (They should have discussed and agreed on this from the very beginning—not waited until the actual day of the ceremony),” he added.

Toga has a ‘special purpose’

Basas explained that although DepEd policy does not prohibit the use of togas, the department has consistently advised against elaborate outfits to avoid unnecessary expenses for parents.

However, Basas emphasized that the toga, for him and many families, holds deep meaning and should not be considered extravagant.

He explained that the graduation toga has cultural significance, especially for poor families.

“Nagsisilbi itong sense of pride and inspiration sa mga bata para lalong magsumikap (It serves as a source of pride and inspiration for the children to work even harder),” he added.

For some students, Basas noted, this might be the “first and last time” they wear a graduation toga, as many may not have the opportunity to attend college.

“The principal should have exercised compassion and mindfulness at that very moment—and should have been considerate from the start,” he said.

‘Unacceptable’

For the TDC, the incident was “unacceptable.”

The group urged DepEd—including the Schools Division Office of Antique and Regional Office VI—to conduct a “thorough and impartial investigation.”

TDC said those proven responsible should be held “administratively accountable” to prevent similar incidents in the future.

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

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