DepEd proposes the use of Sablay instead of Toga for EOSY Rites

DepEd proposes the use of Sablay instead of Toga for End-of-School-Year Rites

The Department of Education (DepEd) proposed the use of Sablay instead of toga for End-of-School-Year Rites 2020.

The proposal as contained in Aide Memoire dated February 18, 2020 was signed by Usec. Alain Del B. Pascua, Undersecretary of DepEd who supervises the Administrative Service, the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service, the Information and Communications Technology Service, the Education Facilities Division/ School Building Program, and the Youth Formation Division.

"Sablay" refers to an indigenous loose garment that is traditionally used for formal occasions. Isablay (verb form), means to put a precious object like a piece of cloth or garment upon one's shoulder as a way of giving value and respect.

Teachers of Ilocos Sur National High School posed with their Sablay during the 1st SHS Graduation Ceremony

Sablay nstills patriotism and nationalism among young learners, promote core values of Makabansa and Makakalikasan, and promote local culture and national diversity said proposal.

Attached herewith is AIDE MEMOIRE entitled Proposal to use Sablay instead of Toga for End-of-School-Year Rites in Elementary and Secondary signed by Usec. Alain Del B. Pascua.

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Proposal to use Sablay instead of Toga for End-of-School-Year Rites in Elementary and Secondary

The use of the toga, with its deep Western roots, has been taken for granted all these years despite its many disadvantages:

• It is not Filipino;
• It does not inspire loyalty to our nation but serves as a reminder of a colonial past;
• the toga, which covers the whole body, is impractical and uncomfortable to use in a tropical country like the Philippines;
• It promotes uniformity and it does not encourage the flourish of cultural diversity;
• renting or buying a toga with gown and cap, is an additional expense and an added burden to parents.

In view of the foregoing. it is respectfully proposed that Sablay, instead of the toga, will be used in end-of-school-year-rites in all elementary and secondary schools.

This will:

• instill patriotism and nationalism among young learners;
• promote core values of Makabansa and Makakalikasan;
• promote local culture and national diversity,
• nurture ethnic roots and perpetuate the production of local textiles of indigenous people;
• boost rural development;
• provide jobs and empower women and men weavers;
• revive and sustain local and traditional weaving enterprises.

For your consideration.