What Is A Sablay And Why Do We See It During Graduation Season?

July is only a month away, and if you're an Iskolar ng Bayan, this is probably one of the most awaited moments of your entire university arc. Across the University of the Philippines (UP) System, commencement exercises are set to happen during this month, which means UP campuses will once again be filled with sunflowers, protest and advocacy cards, and, of course, the Sablay. 🌻

As part of the graduating Iska batch this year, there's really something different about wearing the Sablay during graduation instead of the usual cap and toga. It feels heavier in meaning somehow, like you're carrying not just your degree, but also the identity and history of the university you're about to leave. UP has officially used the Sablay as part of its academic attire since 2000, making it one of the most recognizable symbols of the university today.

Usually, there are two major graduation events in UP held on consecutive days: the College Recognition Rites and the University Commencement Exercises. In UP Diliman, the latter traditionally happens in front of Quezon Hall, where the Oblation statue stands. Graduates wear the Sablay during both ceremonies, but its use goes beyond graduation season. According to the Office of the University Registrar, it can also be worn during official university events such as investitures, honorary degree ceremonies, and other formal academic occasions.

The word "Sablay" already carries a sense of honor and respect. In Filipino, "isablay" means placing a valued garment over one's shoulder, almost like presenting something precious with pride. And once you look closely at the Sablay, every detail woven into it reflects exactly that.

Its design takes inspiration from the malong of Mindanao, reimagined into the sash worn across the chest during UP graduations. The patterns are also deeply rooted in Filipino culture. The flowing ukkil design symbolizes the continuous growth of knowledge, while the triangles, diamonds, and chevrons reflect rice culture and indigenous patterns seen across different communities in the Philippines.

Even the colors and symbols have meaning behind them. The maroon and green follow UP's official colors, while the gold and yellow details stand for wisdom and excellence. The "UP" symbol woven into the Sablay is inspired by baybayin-based characters specially designed for the university. More importantly, according to Prof. Evangeline Amor, the Chair of the Sablay Committee in 2016, the garment is originally meant to be handwoven because the process itself mirrors what earning a UP degree feels like: time-consuming and difficult, yes, but intentional and deeply rooted in hard work.

Ask almost any UP student where to get an authentic Sablay, and chances are they'll mention the Easter Weaving Room. Established in 1908 and managed by the Philippine Episcopal Church, it has long been one of the main makers of the UP Sablay and has been producing them for the university since the late 2000s.

Right now, their prices range between:

• Fully handwoven Sablay with woven baybayin details

  • XS to Large: P2,000

  • XL to 2XL: P2,200

• Handwoven Sablay with embroidered baybayin details

  • XS to Large: P1,800

  • XL to 2XL: P2,100

Students can also buy Sablay pieces from official UP merchandise stores such as UPBeat and Maroons Novelty.

Originally, the Sablay was supposed to vary depending on the degree level that has been earned. Wider panels and more intricate ukkil patterns represent higher academic achievements. But because handweaving different styles requires intense labor and time, the university eventually shifted to a single base Sablay design for everyone, using pins and colored panels to distinguish colleges and degree levels.

And of course, completing the whole graduation look are traditional Filipino formalwear pieces like Filipiniana dresses and Barongs in soft cream, beige, or ecru tones.

The flipping of the Sablay is easily one of the most emotional parts of any UP graduation. Graduates wear it over the right shoulder first, then flip it to the left once the degree is officially conferred by the UP President or their representative.

It's a simple gesture, but for many Iskolar ng Bayan, it marks the exact moment years of breakdowns, all-nighters, org work, delayed enlistments, thesis revisions, and protest walks finally become worth it.

The countdown to graduation day has officially begun. And as the sunflowers bloom once again along University Avenue, another batch of Iskolar ng Bayan gets ready to step beyond UP. ✊