BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Antique has ordered the principal of Colonel Ruperto Abellon National School (CRANS) in Laua-an, Antique, to explain a commotion that unfolded during the school’s graduation ceremony on April 15, 2025.
The incident, which was caught on video and quickly circulated on social media, involved the principal instructing graduating students to remove their togas, which she claimed were not the prescribed attire for the event.
Instead, students were told to wear only their school uniforms and “sablay” (handwoven sash).
The situation led to a confrontation between the principal and a staff member, captured in one of the viral videos, as the school staff attempted to address the issue.
In response, DepEd Antique expressed regret over the incident, emphasizing that it had formed an investigation team to look into the matter.
The school division has also instructed the principal and other officials involved to submit an incident report, along with an intervention plan. While the investigation is ongoing, DepEd assured the public that no graduating students would be deprived of their rights to receive diplomas or other credentials.
The department also vowed to address any potential mental or psychological impacts on the affected students.
DepEd’s guidelines for graduation attire, as per Order No. 9 series of 2023, allow for casual or formal wear, school uniforms, or the optional use of a toga or sablay, further adding complexity to the situation.
