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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DepEd removes Antique principal over viral toga incident

DepEd removes Antique principal over viral toga incident

Published Apr 25, 2025 05:41 am

At A Glance

  • In her press briefing on Friday, April 25, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the development came following President Marcos's directive for swift action on the incident that gained widespread attention on social media.

Malacañang confirmed that the principal involved in the controversial graduation ceremony in Antique has been removed from her post.

graduation-cap-3430714_1280.jpg
Pixabay

In her press briefing on Friday, April 25, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the development came following President Marcos’s directive for swift action on the incident that gained widespread attention on social media.

"Dahil na rin po sa naging direktiba po ng Pangulo, agaran pong kumilos ang ating secretary, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, at ang sinasabing pong guro ay tinanggal na po bilang principal sa nasabing eskuwelahan (Because of the directive from the President, DepEd Secretary Angara acted immediately, and the teacher in question has been removed as principal of the said school)," she said.

Castro, however, clarified that the principal’s license to teach remains valid, but she can no longer serve as a school head.

"Tinanggal lang po siya sa pagiging principal. Iyong license naman po niya ay hindi naman manggagaling sa pag-uutos ng Pangulo o ng DepEd Secretary (She was only removed as principal. Her license, however, is not something that can be revoked by the President or the DepEd Secretary)," she said.

She added that the teacher is still allowed to teach in public schools, subject to evaluation of their conduct.

"Allowed pa rin po siya, at siyempre titingnan pa rin po kung ano ba ang klase… ang kaniyang behavior (They are still allowed to teach, but of course, their behavior will still be assessed)," The Palace Press Officer said.

"Kailangan po iyan, importante po iyan lalo na po’t siya ay isang guro (That’s important, especially since they are a teacher)," she added.

Castro said it remains to be seen if further disciplinary or legal action will be taken.

The issue stemmed from a graduation ceremony in Laua-an, Antique, on April 15, where a principal allegedly made students remove their togas.

The Department of Education has since clarified that togas are not prohibited during graduation ceremonies.

DepEd Memorandum No. 27, s. 2025, and DepEd Order No. 009, s. 2023, allow students to wear either school uniforms or formal attire, with the toga or sablay as optional garments.

The agency reminded school officials to use discretion and avoid policies that may cause exclusion, embarrassment, or marginalization of students.

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claire castro graduation ceremony Department of Education
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