While welcoming the prompt action of the Department of Education (DepEd) related to the highly publicized graduation ceremony controversy in Antique, a teachers' group on Friday, April 25, emphasized the importance of ensuring "due process" to uphold the rights of education professionals.

“We welcome the swift action taken by DepEd in response to the controversial graduation incident in Antique,” said Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) National Chairperson Benjo Basas in a statement.

“As we have emphasized before, graduation rites should center on the students, their hard work, sacrifices, and aspirations,” Basas said. “No act should diminish that moment of pride and dignity,” he added.

During her press briefing earlier, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed that the removal of the principal from her post followed President Marcos' order for prompt action regarding the incident, which had gone viral on social media.

What happened at the graduation ceremony?

During the end-of-school-year rites at Col. Ruperto Abellon National High School on April 15, the school principal interrupted the ceremony to instruct graduating senior high school students to remove their togas.

The principal claimed that wearing togas violated DepEd Order No. 009, Series of 2023, and Memorandum No. 027, Series of 2025, which promote simple and inclusive graduation ceremonies to avoid excessive spending.

She reportedly believed the togas contravened the "No Collection" policy, which prohibits students from incurring costs for graduation attire.

The announcement, captured in a viral video, caused tension as students were asked to wear only their school uniforms and a “sablay” (handwoven sash).

Some students complied, while others left the ceremony distressed, accompanied by upset parents and guardians. A school staff member approached the principal on stage, possibly to confront her, but was quickly escorted away by colleagues.

The incident drew significant attention on social media, with posts condemning the principal’s actions as humiliating and disrespectful to the students’ milestone moments.

DepEd’s response and clarification

Following the public outcry, DepEd issued a statement on April 17, clarifying that its policies do not prohibit the wearing of togas during graduation ceremonies.

According to DepEd, the prescribed attire includes casual or formal wear or the school uniform, with togas or sablays permitted as optional supplementary garments.

The department expressed regret that the graduation, meant to be a "moment of pride and celebration," became a "source of distress for the learners and their families."

DepEd also ordered an investigation into the incident.

Balancing accountability and due process

TDC, a prominent advocate for educators’ rights, welcomed DepEd’s swift action but urged a balanced approach.

“While we stand by our call for accountability and justice for the students affected, we also recognize that the case remains under investigation,” Basas said.

TDC also called for accountability and justice for the affected students, acknowledging the emotional toll the incident took on learners and their families.

However, the TDC stressed the importance of due process for the principal and other involved officials.

“The TDC firmly upholds the right of every teacher and school official to due process,” Basas said. “We trust that the ongoing proceedings will be conducted fairly, with both compassion for the learners and respect for the rights of education workers,” he added.

Professionalism and respect in schools

The group also issued a broader call to action, urging all stakeholders in the education sector to uphold professionalism, empathy, and mutual respect.

TDC emphasized the need to prevent similar incidents in the future and foster a school culture that prioritizes student welfare while honoring the dignity of teachers and administrators.

“At the end of the day, our goal is to ensure that incidents like this never happen again, and that all stakeholders in our schools act with professionalism, empathy, and respect for one another,” Basas said.

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https://mb.com.ph/2025/4/18/viral-antique-graduation-incident