DepEd makes it clear: Graduates may or may not wear togas

Graduating students wearing togas. File photo.

MANILA, Philippines — There is no Department of Education (DepEd) policy that prohibits the wearing of togas at graduations, the agency said in a statement on Thursday.

The clarification came following videos circulating on social media that showed tensions at an Antique school graduation ceremony, where its principal ordered the school’s senior high graduates to remove their togas and wear only their uniform and “sablay” (handwoven sash) for the rites.

DepEd cited its Department Order No. 9 series of 2023, which prescribes guidelines for the conduct of end-of-school-year rites and states, “Casual or formal wear, or school uniform, shall remain as the recommended moving up or graduation attire. Toga or ‘sablay’ can be worn as an additional garb.”

The department also cited DepEd Memorandum No. 27, series of 2025, which did not mention a prohibition on togas.

“These guidelines were adopted to encourage simplicity, promote inclusivity, and ease the financial burden on families. However, such policies must be interpreted and implemented with discernment and never result in any learner’s exclusion, embarrassment, or marginalization,” the department said.

READ: DepEd orders principal to explain graduation day commotion over attire

Dress code violation?

In the video, the principal of the Colonel Ruperto Abellon National School in Laua-an, Antique, was heard asking class advisers to note the students who violated the supposed dress code.

She further said the observance of the attire was to “train” the students to be “disciplined and obedient to authority.”

“The department deeply regrets that this occasion, which should have been a moment of pride and celebration, became a source of distress for the learners and their families,” DepEd said.

“DepEd reiterates its directive to all school officials to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, compassion, and respect in implementing policies, ensuring at all times the protection of the rights and dignity of every learner,” it added.

READ: Toga out, ‘sablay’ in? DepEd official tackles graduation fashion

For its part, the DepEd Schools Division Office of Antique ordered the principal and other concerned officials to submit an incident report with an intervention plan.

The Antique division office also assured students they would still receive their diplomas, certificates, and other credentials.