A video showing a school principal removing the toga from graduating students during a ceremony at Col. Ruperto Abellon National High School in Laua-an, Antique has gone viral, prompting an official investigation by Antique’s Schools Division Office (SDO).
The incident occurred on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, during the senior high school graduation ceremony, affecting 249 students. The video quickly made rounds on social media, drawing widespread public criticism and concern.
According to Eric Cortejo, Public Information Officer of SDO Antique, a fact-finding committee has already been established to validate the incident and gather details from all parties involved. “The investigating team will confirm the facts surrounding the viral video and the actions taken by the school principal,” Cortejo said in an interview.
Initial reports suggest that a meeting with parents was held the Friday prior to the graduation, where it was allegedly agreed that students would not wear togas during the ceremony. However, Cortejo clarified that the school principal was not present during this meeting, raising questions about the basis of the principal’s actions on graduation day.
DepEd Order No. 009, series of 2023, prohibits extravagant attire during graduation or moving-up ceremonies. While the wearing of togas or sablay is allowed, the department strongly recommends the use of casual or formal attire, or even school uniforms, to avoid imposing additional financial burden on families.
Despite this policy, Cortejo emphasized that the manner in which the togas were removed — during the actual ceremony and in public view — is now under scrutiny. If the investigation finds fault in the principal’s conduct, appropriate sanctions may be recommended by the SDO.
“The dignity of learners must always be upheld,” Cortejo added, noting that the investigation will prioritize the welfare of the students and determine whether the principal acted under DepEd guidelines.
The SDO Antique urges the public to refrain from spreading misinformation and to await the official findings of the committee. Meanwhile, netizens continue to debate the incident online, calling for accountability and sensitivity in handling school-related matters, especially during milestone events like graduation.