‘Sablay’ favored over toga in graduation rites

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has backed the proposal of an education official for elementary and high school graduates to use the indigenous “sablay” instead of togas in graduation ceremonies.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the local sablay might be cheaper and more practical than the toga, the traditional costume for graduating students.

“Is it not cheaper? That’s okay as long as it’s not bad for the students. If it can lessen the parents’ expenses, that’s okay,” Panelo said over dzIQ on Sunday.

He made the remarks after Education Undersecretary Alain Pascua pushed for the use of the sablay to “instill patriotism and nationalism” in young learners.

A sablay is an indigenous loose garment draped across the body during formal academic occasions.

The University of the Philippines was the first to adopt the garment and make it the official academic costume of the state university.

Panelo, an alumni of UP, initially asked what a “sablay” was, eventually agreeing to its use by elementary and high school graduating students.

He noted that togas were often worn by graduating college students.

Panelo also agreed with Pascua’s observation that the sablay would promote local weaving cultures.

“That’s also good,” he added.