The principal who went viral on social media after she publicly ordered the students of Ruperto Abellon National School (CRANS) in Laua-an, Antique, to remove the toga they were wearing was facing investigation from the Department of Education (DepEd).
In a statement, the DepEd clarified that there was no order to forbid any students from wearing toga during graduation ceremonies, as it was included in the “optional supplementary garment” under DepEd Order No. 009.
“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,” DepEd said in a statement.
DepEd vowed to investigate the principal identified as Venus Nietes.
They also assured all the students who attended the graduation that they would receive their graduation credentials.
“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.” they said.
It can be recalled that the principal was even publicly heckled by one of the graduating students due to his disappointment over the last-minute order.
Nietes has yet to give any statement following the controversy she was facing.
In 2023, students of the same school held a rally against Nietes for alleged mismanagement.