Nilinaw ng Department of Education na hindi nito pinagbabawalan ang pagsusuot ng mga toga tuwing graduation at moving-up ceremonies, matapos mag-viral ang isang seremonya sa Antique kung saan pinahubad ng isang principal ang mga toga ng mga estudyante.
"DepEd policy does not prohibit the wearing of togas. There is no prohibition under DepEd Memorandum No. 27, s. 2025 and under DepEd Order No. 009, s. 2023, the prescribed attire for graduation and moving-up ceremonies includes casual or formal wear or the school uniform," saad ng DepEd sa isang pahayag.
"The toga or sablay may be worn as an optional supplementary garment," dagdag nito.
Lubha ring ikinadismaya ng DepEd ang insidente na iniimbestigahan na ng ahensiya.
''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,'' ayon sa DepEd.
"Given the incident, the Department has initiated the appropriate investigation processes to verify the facts and determine accountability, if warranted,'' dagdag nito.
"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."
Naglabas na rin ng pahayag ang Schools Division of Antique tungkol sa usapin at sinabing nag-organisa na ito ng investigation team at inutusan ang school head at iba pang kinauukulang opisyal na magsumite ng incident report na may naaangkop na intervention plan.
"We assure the public that this Office shall exhaust all means to ensure that affected learners will not be deprived of their rights and privileges as graduates, such as receiving their diplomas, certificates, and other credentials," sabi nito.
Nangako rin ang Division ng suportang sikolohikal para sa mga estudyanteng apektado ng insidente.
Sa ulat ni Thess Ordales sa GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas, sinabing nangyari ang insidente nitong April 15 sa Colonel Ruperto Abellon National High School sa munisipalidad ng Laua-an.
Sa nag-viral na video, mapapanood ang pag-anunsyo ng principal sa stage na hindi dapat magsuot ng toga ang mga graduating student batay sa DepEd guidelines na gawing simple ang seremonya ng pagtatapos.
Kaya iniutos nito sa mga mag-aaral na huwag magtoga sa pagpanik sa entablado, na inalmahan ng ilang estudyante at kanilang mga magulang o guardian. — VBL, GMA Integrated News
