DepEd Probes Antique Graduation Controversy Over Toga Ban

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

What was supposed to be a moment of celebration turned into controversy when a high school graduation ceremony in Laua-an, Antique, was marred by an incident involving the removal of student togas.

The controversy, which has since gone viral, centers on Col. Ruperto Abellon National High School in Barangay Guisijan, where the school principal allegedly ordered students to strip off their togas before receiving their diplomas.

Circulating videos show school head Venus Divinia Nietes reprimanding students during the ceremony.

The incident took place after 249 students had already been officially conferred as graduates.

The commotion began when some students were seen wearing togas—an attire that appeared to contradict the school’s instructions.

Nietes insisted that students were only allowed to wear their school uniforms, sablay (traditional sash), and a ribbon.

“I want everything to be in order and in its proper place,” she said during the ceremony.

“This activity, the graduation, should be in uniform and with your sablay,” she added.

Nietes claimed to have already documented the students’ graduation photos and threatened to call the police if they failed to comply.

She also instructed teacher-advisers to record the names of those who disobeyed.

“We are training our learners to be disciplined and obedient to authority,” she said.

“What kind of attitude are we giving them? What kind of examples are we setting—disobedience to lawful authorities?”

Investigation Underway

Eric Cortejo, information officer of the Schools Division Office of Antique, said Wednesday, April 16, that a fact-finding committee has been formed to investigate the incident.

“We’re still gathering both sides and created a fact-finding team,” he told Daily Guardian.

“Our chair visited the school this morning to get the exact information.”

The committee includes Antique’s chief of curriculum implementation, the division’s legal officer, district supervisors, and other officials.

A key focus of the probe is whether the school violated any agreement made with parents regarding the graduation attire.

Cortejo said that based on initial findings, a Parent-Teacher Association meeting held a week before the event resulted in a majority of parents agreeing to allow togas, but Nietes reportedly opposed the decision.

The division is verifying whether a formal resolution on the attire was passed during the meeting.

Cortejo added that if Nietes is found at fault, sanctions will be recommended.

According to Department of Education Order No. 009, Series of 2023, schools are discouraged from requiring excessive spending or extravagant attire for graduation.

“Casual or formal wear, or school uniform, shall remain as the recommended moving-up/graduation attire,” the order states.

“Toga or sablay is allowed to be worn as an additional garb.”

In a separate statement, SDO Antique expressed concern over the disruption and said the school head and other officials were directed to submit an incident report and an intervention plan.

“This office treats this matter with utmost urgency, importance, and diligence,” the statement said.

The division assured the public it is committed to providing a comprehensive account of the incident and will issue updates through official channels.

It also emphasized that affected students will not be deprived of their rights and privileges, including receiving diplomas and other credentials.

In addition to administrative action, the SDO pledged to prioritize the mental and psychological well-being of the students.

It said immediate interventions would be implemented to address distress caused by the incident.

Previous Controversies

This is not the first time Nietes has drawn criticism.

In September 2023, about 500 students, teachers, and PTA members of Laua-an National High School staged a protest calling for her removal.

Protesters held placards reading “Freedom for LNHS” and “Say no to manipulator,” while chanting “Divinia, ibagsak!”

Students claimed they were compelled to speak out after witnessing teachers cry and accuse Nietes of ignoring their concerns.