DepEd exec proposes using 'sablay' instead of toga during grad rites

Department of Education Undersecretary Alain Pascua has proposed the use "sablay" during commencement exercises in elementary and secondary schools.

On Wednesday, Pascua confirmed a leaked document of his aide memoire, a written summary or outline of important items of a proposed agreement or diplomatic communication.

“The Aide Memoire in question did indeed come from me, which I sent to a DepEd Execom and Mancom Groups for their consideration and feedback,” he said in a Facebook post.

In the aide memoire dated Tuesday (February 18 2020), Pascua argued that toga with “deep Western roots” is not Filipino and does not inspire loyalty to the country, but only serves as a reminder of colonial past.

He also pointed out that toga are impractical and uncomfortable to wear especially in a tropical country like the Philippines.

Pascua added that the garment “does not encourage the flourish of cultural diversity.”

“Renting or buying a toga, with gown and cap, is an additional expense and an added burden to parents,” he said.

Thus he proposes the use of "sablay," which he said could instill patriotism and nationalism among Filipino students as it promotes core values of “Makabansa and Makakalikasan.”

Unlike the toga, he said sablay promotes local and national diversity.

“(It) nurtures ethnic roots and perpetuate the production of local textiles of indigenous people,” he said.

Pascua added that the proposed garment will boost rural development, provide jobs, and empower Filipino weavers, as well as revive and sustain traditional weaving enterprises.

“To clarify, the Aide Memoire has yet to be discussed at the Execom-Mancom levels and remains a proposition,” Pascua pointed out.

“We at the Department of Education value feedback and encourage everyone to voice their concerns and ideas,” he added. —Joviland Rita/LBG, GMA News