Manlilisid NHS shifts from Toga to Sablay
by: Angelina A. Vivero, P-I
Inspired by the DepEd Aide Memoire entitled “Proposal to Use Sablay
Instead of Toga for End-of-School Year Rites in Elementary and Secondary
Schools”, Manlilisid NHS changed its official graduation garb from toga to sablay
during its 5th Commencement Exercises on July 1, 2022 and henceforth.
This DepEd release from the Office of the Undersecretary for
Administration (OUA) stipulates disadvantages of using toga which includes “not
being Filipino, does not inspire loyalty to the nation but serves a reminder of a
colonial past, is impractical and uncomfortable to use in a tropical country like
the Philippines and does not encourage the flourish of cultural diversity”.
Moreover, the aide memoire highlights the use of sablay for it will “instill
patriotism and nationalism among young learners, promote core values, promote
local culture and diversity, perpetuate the production of local textiles of
indigenous peoples, provide jobs and empower women and men weavers, and
revive and sustain local and traditional weaving enterprises” among others.
The fabrication cost was shouldered by the fund-raising campaign called
“Sablay ng Tagumpay Raffle Draw” initiated by the Senior High School parents.
Each costs Php759.00 which covers the fabrics, tailoring, embroidery and school
logo patches. A total of Php77,418.00 was the total cost of the 102 pieces of
Sablay which in turn were donated to the school by the parents through Brigada
Eskwela.
NOTE: The author is a Principal I of Manlilisid National High School,
Manlilisid, Javier, Leyte.