ANTIQUE – The Malacañang confirmed yesterday that the principal in the viral toga controversy in Laua-an town here has been removed from her post.
According to Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro, Venus Divinia Nietes was sacked as the principal of Col. Roperto Abellon National School by Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara following the order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“Sa nagiging direktiba po ng Pangulo agarang kumilos ang ating secretary, DepEd Secretary Angara, at ang sinasabi pong guro ay tinanggal na po bilang principal sa nasabing eskwelahan,” Castro said.
She added that Nietes she is still permitted to teach in other public schools, pending further review.
“Allowed pa rin po siya at siyempre titingnan pa rin po kung ano bang klase ang kanyang behavior. Kailangan po ‘yan, importante po ‘yan lalo po at sia ay isang guro,” she said.
The DepEd will also ensure that any cases related to the principal’s conduct will be thoroughly reviewed.
The incident, which occurred on April 15 at Col. Roperto Abellon National School, sparked public backlash after a video went viral showing senior high school students being instructed by Nietes to remove their togas before receiving their diplomas, saying it was not the prescribed uniform for their graduation ceremony based on DepEd policy..
Following this, Angara ordered to probe the incident, adding that the DepEd police does not prohibit wearing of togas in graduation ceremonies.
“The DepEd acknowledges the reported incident involving a school head and graduating senior high school students in the Province of Antique, wherein wearing togas during the graduation ceremony became a point of contention. 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,” read part of the official statement released by DepEd.
It added: “DepEd policy does not prohibit the wearing of togas. There is no prohibition under DepEd Memorandum No. 27, Series 2025 and under DepEd Order No. 009, Series of 2023, the prescribed attire for graduation and moving-up ceremonies includes casual or formal wear or the school uniform. The toga or sablay may be worn as an optional supplementary garment.”
According to DepEd, these guidelines were adopted to encourage simplicity, promote inclusivity, and ease the financial burden on families.
However, such policies must be interpreted and implemented with discernment and never result in any learner’s exclusion, embarrassment, or marginalization.
“Given the incident, the Department has initiated the appropriate investigation processes to verify the cats and determine accountability, if warranted,” it stated.
DepEd further reiterated 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./PN
