Graduation is supposed to be a proud moment. It’s a day when students finally receive the reward for all their years of hard work. But at Col. Ruperto Abellon National High School in Laua-an, something unexpected happened—and now, the whole country is talking about it.
In this article, I’ll walk you through everything that happened during this graduation incident, why it matters, who’s involved, and what happens next. I’ll also share some personal thoughts and questions that many students and parents are asking right now.
What Happened During the Graduation?
On Tuesday, April 15, students at Col. Ruperto Abellon National High School were ready for their big moment—graduation day. Families gathered, teachers were proud, and students were dressed in their togas.
But just before they could receive their diplomas, something surprising happened.
Venus Divinia Nietes, the school head, allegedly told the graduating students to remove their togas.
Yes—you read that right.
The Incident Caught on Video
Soon after, videos from the event were shared online. The clips went viral across social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok. In the videos, you can see students awkwardly removing their togas while the event was happening.
This raised a lot of questions from the public, including:
- Why were they asked to take off their togas?
- Was it part of school rules?
- Who gave the final order?
SDO Antique Responds to the Graduation Incident
The Schools Division Office (SDO) of Antique quickly stepped in. They confirmed that a fact-finding committee has been created to investigate what happened.
According to Eric Cortejo, the Division Information Officer:
“We’re still gathering both sides and we also created a fact-finding team. Our chair visited the school this morning to get the exact information.”
The committee includes:
- Chief of the Curriculum Implementation Division
- Legal Officer of the Division
- District Principal-in-Charge
- Division Information Officer
- And other key members
What Do DepEd Rules Say About Graduation Attire?
To understand if something went wrong, we need to look at the official rules.
The Department of Education’s Order No. 009, Series of 2023 says:
- Students should not be required to spend on expensive or extravagant clothes.
- Toga or sablay can be worn, but the main recommendation is simple casual wear, formal wear, or the school uniform.
- The goal is to make graduation inclusive and affordable.
So yes—schools can encourage students not to wear togas, but it should be clearly communicated ahead of time. What shocked many people about this graduation incident is the last-minute instruction—right before the diplomas were handed out.
A History of Complaints
There’s more to the story.
Venus Divinia Nietes, the current head of Col. Ruperto Abellon National High School, was previously the principal at Laua-an National High School. While there, students and parents also called for her removal, due to past issues with how she handled things.
This isn’t the first time people have raised concerns about her leadership.
How Did Students and Parents React?
Imagine yourself on stage, just seconds away from graduating—and someone tells you to take off your toga in front of your friends, family, and teachers.
That’s how many students felt—embarrassed, shocked, and disappointed.
Some reactions from social media:
- “This was not respectful.”
- “They could’ve informed us earlier.”
- “Why ruin a once-in-a-lifetime moment?”
Many are now demanding action. They want this kind of behavior to stop, not just at this school, but everywhere.
What’s Next in the Investigation?
The fact-finding committee is still doing its work. They are talking to witnesses, reviewing the videos, and checking the school’s official plans for graduation.
If Venus Divinia Nietes is found to have broken DepEd rules or disrespected students, she could face penalties. These might include:
- A formal warning
- Reassignment or removal
- Or other disciplinary actions
For now, the DepEd and SDO Antique are carefully reviewing the facts.
Why This Incident Matters for Everyone
This graduation incident is not just a one-time event. It’s a wake-up call for schools all over the country.
Students should never feel ashamed on their graduation day. School heads and teachers should be there to support, not stress them out.
What schools should do:
- Set clear graduation guidelines early
- Avoid sudden changes on the event day
- Make sure students are treated with dignity and respect
My Take: Respect Should Always Come First
Personally, I think the biggest issue here isn’t just about togas—it’s about respect.
Students have spent years working toward this moment. Graduation should be a time of celebration, not confusion. If there were concerns about attire, they should’ve been discussed long before the ceremony.
No student deserves to feel embarrassed in front of their family, especially not at a once-in-a-lifetime event like graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What exactly happened during the graduation incident?
Students were told to remove their togas just before they could receive their diplomas during the ceremony at Col. Ruperto Abellon National High School.
Who ordered the students to remove their togas?
The school head, Venus Divinia Nietes, allegedly gave the order.
Was wearing a toga against DepEd rules?
No. The Department of Education allows togas as additional garments but suggests simple attire to avoid high costs.
Is there an official investigation happening?
Yes. The Schools Division Office (SDO) of Antique has created a fact-finding committee to look into the incident.
What could happen to the school head?
If found guilty of any wrongdoing, she could face disciplinary action such as a warning, reassignment, or removal from her post.
Graduation should be a time of joy, pride, and success. The recent graduation incident shows us how important it is to handle school events with care, kindness, and clear communication. Let’s hope the investigation brings clarity—and that students everywhere get to enjoy the graduation they truly deserve.
