School Principal in Laua-an, Antique Made SHS Graduates Remove Their Toga During the Ceremony
A school principal in Laua-an, Antique elicits comments online after instructing senior high school graduates to remove their toga during the ceremony.
Graduation is a special ceremony where students are officially recognized for completing a certain level of education, like high school, college, or university. During the event, students usually wear formal attire like a toga or cap and gown, and they are called on stage to receive their diploma or certificate.
On Wednesday (April 15, 2025), a supposed memorable graduation day turned into disappointment for senior high school students of Col. Ruperto Abellon National High School in Laua-an, Antique.
Students and parents were shocked when the school principal asked the graduates to remove their toga right before the ceremony started. In a video shared online, the principal was seen on stage giving instructions for students to take off their graduation gowns. It left many graduates and their families upset.
For most students, graduation is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and wearing a toga is an important symbol of their hard work. Parents expressed frustration, especially since they were excited to see their children wear the gown they had prepared for. Some tried to reason with the principal, but their requests were ignored.
According to the Department of Education Order No. 009, series of 2023, students are allowed to wear a toga or sablay during end-of-school-year ceremonies, but it is not required. If students have one available, they can wear it, but schools cannot force them not to.
It was later learned that the principal involved was previously removed from another school due to student protests over poor leadership, bad treatment, and reports of mental bullying. The incident in Laua-an left many feeling hurt and disappointed.
For many, this day will be remembered not for joy, but for the moment they were told to take off what should have marked their success.
In another post, a school principal arrested for allegedly abusing four grade 10 students
The social media users expressed their reactions to the incident:
