Should Wearing of Toga be Prohibited to Graduating Pupils

Argumentative Essay by Arvin D. Asuero

In the big story of our past, certain garments stand as iconic symbols, enclosing the essence of an era embodying the importance of significant events of our history. Among these, the toga, with its white graceful cloth and classical appeal, emerges as a garment deeply connected with the period of ancient times. Originated in the rich tradition of ancient Rome from the Western. This piece of garment has risen above from its origin to become a universal symbol of dignity and triumph on ceremonial rites. 

Wearing of toga has been a constant practice ever since before the current generation emerged. A toga symbolizes the triumph and achievement of those who get to wear it. Having the privilege of wearing a toga in a graduation ceremony somehow makes a graduate commemorate all the efforts he/she has exerted during his/her academic journey. Moreover, this paper aims to captivate and unravel the claims being argued and tackled in the 18th and 19th congress. This paper will focus on its claim that wearing of toga represents a students’ accomplishment or educational attainment, it represents the degree of education accomplished by a graduate.

Many educational institutions place a high value on tradition and continuity. The use of toga has been around many years ago and that is why it has already been a part whenever graduation rites or any educational rites are being held. According to the Department of Education secretary and Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, graduation rites should be conducted in an appropriate solemn ceremony befitting the graduating students and their families. Considering that Graduation rites are formal occasions, wearing of toga is a traditional garment that adds a sense of formality and solemnity to the event. Graduation day cannot be said complete without the graduate receiving their diploma in person and wearing the iconic graduation gown. With a long history, graduation gowns and other clothing play a significant role in graduation ceremonies all around the world. 

However, there are various counterarguments against the notion. According to undersecretary Alain Del B. Pascua (2020), The use of the toga, with its deep Western roots, has been taken for granted all these years despite its many disadvantages,” he wrote on the aide-mémoire, which had yet to be taken up by the full committee. “It is not Filipino.” Moreover, Escudero (2013) stressed that "We must instill ambition in our young and encourage them to strive for more education. We must help them understand that in order to have a fighting chance at success they need to at least finish secondary school”. The toga is a symbol of triumph, achievement and status. Allowing grade school pupils to wear a toga during graduation ceremonies will give them the false impression that finishing elementary school is already a major educational achievement. Furthermore, according to Escullar (2023), Regarding DepEd’s “no collection policy”, parents or guardians would have to spend nothing for moving-up and graduation ceremonies. Expenses relative to the activity shall be charged to the school’s maintenance and other operating expenses. “No collection policy. Meaning, schools cannot collect money from our parents or learners''. At a time when each graduate should be honored for their individuality, the emphasis in accordance with togas may hinder individuality and personal expression. Instead, the use of ‘sablay’ should be implemented. Since the Philippines is not exactly where the toga originated, wearing one does not imply patriotism unlike ‘sablay’. According to undersecretary Pascua (2020), it is impractical and uncomfortable to use toga in a tropical country like the Philippines. He proposes that schools make use of the ‘sablay’, instead.

Nonetheless, toga or “sablay” is allowed to be worn as an additional garb, DepEd reiterated that casual or formal wear or school uniform “shall remain as the recommended moving up or graduation attire”. Wearing a standardized academic toga helps create a sense of equality among graduates. Regardless of individual attire or socioeconomic background of the graduates, symbolizing a common achievement and academic unity to all. Moreover, according to Joanne (2023), the iconic graduation cap and gown have deep symbolic significance. First and foremost, they stand for the achievement and provide a concrete reminder of the graduates’ devotion and labor. By signifying the transition from student to graduate, this element of the graduation ceremony apparel also represents the beginning of a new chapter in the academic journey of individuals. In fact, according to Chong (2012), Graduation is considered a coming-of-age ritual or an important milestone for young Filipinos. The attire stands for a very important moment of your life, for which you and your parents worked hard.

Traditions, just like the toga, connect us to our shared history and cultural values. The proposal to halt this toga-wearing tradition for graduating pupils brings to mind important arguments both ways. On one side, the toga symbolizes academic success and solemnity to graduates while having unison among the graduates. On the other hand, its relevance in culture in the Philippines and its applicability in a tropical climate would be an argument too. Besides that, some argue that wearing a toga to grade school graduation creates a wrong impression regarding the perception of educational milestones. Alternatives such as the "sablay" are considered to be more locally appropriate, but the historical significance of the toga and the way graduation has been celebrated over time bears testament that it should still be considered for a meaningful role in the ceremony.

REFERENCES

Chong, G. D. (2012, March 1). Will you wear a toga? Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/cebu-lifestyle/2012/03/01/782304/will-you-wear-toga

DepEd sets SY 2022-2023 end-of-school-year rites from July 10 to 14. (n.d.). Manila Bulletin. https://mb.com.ph/2023/4/1/dep-ed-sets-sy-2022-2023-end-of-school-year-rites-from-july-10-to-14

House of Representatives press releases. (2013, September 25). https://www.congress.gov.ph/press/details.php?pressid=7301

Joanne. (2023, May 17). What does graduation clothing symbolize, and why is it important? Opulence Magazine. https://opulencemag.co.uk/2023/05/17/what-does-graduation-clothing-symbolize-and-why-is-it-important/

Joy. (2020, February 20). DepEd proposes use of ‘Sablay’ instead of toga for graduation rites in HS, elementary. Buhay Teacher. https://buhayteacher.com/deped-proposes-use-sablay-instead-of-toga-for-graduation-rites-in-hs-elementary/ 

Now, G. (2021, February 8). Why graduation gowns? — Graduations now. Graduations Now. https://www.graduationsnow.com.au/blog/why-graduation-gowns

Panay News. (2023, June 27). ‘NO COLLECTION’; DepEd-6: ‘Keep graduation, moving-up rites simple.’ https://www.panaynews.net/no-collection-deped-6-keep-graduation-moving-up-rites-simple/#:~:text=Regarding%20DepEd's%20%E2%80%9Cno%20collection%20policy,%E2%80%9CNo%20collection%20policy. 

Renzpaz. (2021, April 24). Graduation Symbols: The Toga, The Hood, The Cap and The Diploma. Tomato Capsule. https://renzpaz.blogspot.com/2011/03/graduation-symbols-toga-hood-cap-and.htm

Reysio-Cruz, M. (2020, February 20). Toga out, ‘sablay’ in? DepEd official tackles graduation fashion | Inquirer News. INQUIRER.net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1231036/toga-out-sablay-in-deped-official-tackles-graduation-fashion