Pagpapahubad ng principal ng toga sa mga estudyante sa graduation day, iniimbistegahan na ng DepEd
- The Schools Division Office of Antique is now looking into the controversial incident at Col. Ruperto Abellon National School (CRANS)
- It can be recalled that the principal of CRANS ordered the removal of togas being worn by students on the day of the End-of-School-Year (EOSY) rites citing DepEd guidelines
- The unexpected directive reportedly upset students and parents who viewed togas as symbolic, with some of those in attendance calling out the principal loudly for her decision
- DepEd guarantees diplomas and certificates will be released despite the incident
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The Schools Division Office of Antique has launched a formal investigation into a controversial incident that occurred at the Col. Ruperto Abellon National School (CRANS) in Guisijan, Laua-an, Antique, during their End-of-School-Year (EOSY) rites held on April 15, 2025.

Source: Facebook
The incident involved the school principal, identified as Ms. Venus Divinia Nietes, reportedly ordering graduating students to remove their togas, causing dismay and prompting immediate action from the Department of Education (DepEd) in the province.
In an official statement released on their Facebook page, DepEd Antique expressed their concern over the matter.
The division has formed an Investigation Team and has directed the school head and other involved officials to submit a comprehensive incident report along with a proposed intervention plan.
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These documents are intended to serve as crucial references for the DepEd's subsequent actions to address the situation.
The DepEd assured the public that the ongoing investigation is being treated with the highest level of urgency, importance, and diligence.
While awaiting the detailed incident reports from all relevant parties, the division emphasized its commitment to ensuring that the affected graduating students will not be deprived of their fundamental rights and privileges as graduates.
This includes the timely receipt of their diplomas, certificates, and other essential academic credentials.
Furthermore, DepEd Antique stated that appropriate interventions will be implemented as swiftly as possible to adequately address the mental and psychological well-being of the students who were affected by the incident.
This commitment acknowledges the potential emotional impact of such an unexpected directive during what should have been a celebratory milestone.
Initial reports circulating on social media platforms and local news outlets suggest that the directive of the principal, Ms. Venus Divinia Nietes, to remove the togas was based on the Department of Education's guidelines promoting austerity measures during graduation ceremonies.
These guidelines reportedly emphasize simplicity and discourage extravagant spending.
However, this interpretation of the guidelines and the manner in which it was implemented at CRANS has been met with criticism and disappointment from students, parents, and the wider community.
Some accounts from parents present at the graduation indicated that there was an expectation for the students to wear togas, viewing it as a symbol of their achievement and the culmination of their hard work.
The sudden announcement and order of Ms. Nietes on the day of the granduation ceremony itself reportedly caused significant emotional distress among the graduating class.
The incident at Col. Ruperto Abellon National School highlights the sensitivities surrounding graduation ceremonies and the varying interpretations of DepEd's directives on simplicity.
While the Department aims to make these events accessible and affordable for all families, the manner of implementation at the local level can lead to unforeseen issues if not communicated and handled effectively.
DepEd Antique’s swift response in launching an investigation and assuring the students of their rights underscores the department's commitment to addressing the concerns raised.
The outcome of the investigation and the subsequent actions taken by the Schools Division Office will be closely watched by the community, as it will likely set a precedent for how such situations are handled in the future, balancing the need for austerity with the significance and emotional weight of graduation ceremonies for students and their families.
The focus remains on ensuring the affected students receive their due recognition while addressing any potential emotional distress caused by the incident.
News, photos or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, such could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable to just about simply everyone around.
In other news, four family members in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, were el3ctrocuted and drowned while trying to retrieve tools that had fallen into a 28-foot-deep well. The victims were el3ctrocuted possibly due to a grounded submersible pump inside the well, which may have caused electric current to leak into the water. After the first victim, “Jason,” was el3ctrocuted, his father-in-law and two other relatives attempted to save him but suffered the same fate. BFP officials emphasized the importance of not panicking and immediately calling rescue authorities to prevent similar casualties in emergencies.
Still in other news, a 23-year-old woman’s P60 bet turns into a life-changing fortune in the Lotto 6/42 draw after she won the jackpot. The winner revealed she always played the same combination of numbers. The young millionaire declared she plans to use the prize money to alleviate her family's financial burdens. The jackpot offers a chance for the Quezon City family to recover from past business losses.
Bagong feature: Tingnan ang mga balitang para sa'yo ➡️ hanapin ang "Recommended for you" block at mag-enjoy!
Source: KAMI.com.gh