Candidates for graduation with degrees or titles which require no less than four (4) years of collegiate instruction shall be required to wear academic costumes during the baccalaureate service and commencement exercises in accordance with the rules and regulations of the University. [Art. 422, UP Code 1961]

The University now uses the Sablay in place of the cap and gown or the graduation toga. It should be used only during academic functions and activities. Formal clothing should be worn with the Sablay as a sign of respect, it being the official academic costume of the University, and to preserve the solemnity and dignity of the occasions when it is worn. [Sablay Handbook 2021; 1315th BOR Meeting, 26 February 2016]

The Sablay is an academic costume and should be worn only with academic regalia (medallions for academic achievement) and minimum jewelry. Corsages and leis are not part of the academic costume and therefore should NOT be worn with the Sablay during the ceremony.

The Sablay is worn initially over the RIGHT shoulder. Soon after the President (or his representative) has conferred the degree, move the Sablay from the right to the left shoulder without taking it off. It is important that you watch out for this moment and not to lose any seconds to move the Sablay.

Formal clothing should be worn with the sablay as a sign of respect for the official academic costume and to preserve the solemnity and dignity of the occasions when it is worn.