Principal in Antique removed from post after viral toga video

The principal who instructed students to remove their togas at a graduation ceremony in Antique has been relieved from her position.

''Ang sinasabi pong guro ay tinanggal na po bilang principal sa nasabing eskwelahan,'' Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said on Friday.

Castro clarified that while the principal was removed from her post, her teaching license will not come from the order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. or Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara.

''Tinanggal lamang po siya sa pagiging principal. 'Yung license naman po niya ay di naman manggagaling sa paguutos ng Pangulo o DepEd Secretary,'' she added.  

Last week, DepEd probed a viral incident at Colonel Ruperto Abellon National School where the principal asked graduating students to remove their togas and wear their standard school uniform and handwoven sash. She explained that the togas were not the approved attire for the event.

"The Department of Education Central Office is closely monitoring the graduation ceremony incident in the Division of Antique. Education Secretary Sonny Angara assures the public of DepEd's continued commitment towards a speedy resolution," they said in a statement.

Furthermore, they stated, "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."