I never really thought much about the UP Sablay until recently, when a Facebook friend posted a photo of someone lamenting the fact that the Sablay is no longer exclusive to UP, as other universities have started using a similar one in their graduation ceremonies.
Is the sablay really exclusive to U.P.? Yes, it is. The UP Sablay is copyrighted.
The UP Sablay is the official academic costume of the University of the Philippines. The official colors of the University, maroon and green, were used in the sablay. Yellow gold, which stands for the high standards of values and excellence, was also used. The colors, based on the Pantone ProSim color chart, are Pantone 195 CVP (maroon), Pantone 349 CVP (green), and Pantone 138 CVP (yellow gold).The indigenous letters ? and ? , originating from the indigenous alphabet called baybayin or katitikan, are equivalent to the Roman letters “U” and “P”, respectively. The curvilinear design called ukkil or ukit, which resembles a sprouting plant, signifies life. The geometric designs (in zigzag and diamond patterns) are common design elements gracing the attires and functional objects of indigenous peoples from Batanes to Tawi-tawi. Arranged continuously and rhythmically, these geometric designs highlight the diverse cultural communities in the Philippines and the University’s pursuit of knowledge, cultural enrichment, and scientific advancement.
Date of Registration: 13 September 2002
Date of Issuance of Certificate of Copyright Registration and Deposit: 23 September 2002
But that doesn’t mean that other universities cannot use a similar sash. The University of Rizal System uses a similar sash, which they call “sakbay.” I do not know what the students of Lyceum University of the Philippines call theirs, but they certainly cannot call it sablay, as UP has copyrighted that.
I myself did not know a lot about the Sablay. My batch from the College of Science graduated in 2003 without using the sablay; and so did H’s batch from the College of Engineering. My sister though graduated from the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy in 2005 and she used the Sablay. That is why there is a Sablay lying somewhere right now in our condo.
Because of the many questions associated with the Sablay, I had to do a little research on the net and my social networks and found out the following:
From the University of the Philippines entry on Wikipedia:
The University uses unique academic regalia. Instead of the traditional academic dress composed of a cap, hood and gown, some constituent units prescribe the Sablay. The Sablay is a sash joined in front by an ornament and embroidered or printed with the University’s initials in Baybayin script and running geometric motifs of indigenous Philippine ethnic groups. It is traditionally worn over a white or ecru dress for females or an ecru barong Tagalog and black pants for males, although there has been instances wherein the Sablay is worn over other indigenous clothing.
Candidates for graduation wear the sablay at the right shoulder, and is then moved to the left shoulder after the President of the University confers their degree, similar to the moving of the tassel of the academic cap.
Not all units [constituent university] have adopted the Sablay; the Manila and Los Baños campuses still prescribe the usual cap and gown.
At present, the University of the Philippines system consists of seven (7) constituent universities located in 12 campuses around the country – and since each constituent university has its own manual, the use of the Sablay is not prescribed in all campuses.
That is why the U.P. Los Banos had the Sablay for Graduation Movement that called for the use of the UP Sablay as Academic Regalia for the yearly Graduation and Commencement Exercises in UPLB.
MANIFESTO OF THE SABLAY FOR GRADUATION MOVEMENT
The Sablay for Graduation movement calls for the use of the UP Sablay as Academic Regalia for the yearly Graduation and Commencement Exercises in UPLBWe are,
Graduating students and non-graduating students of the University of the Philippines Los Baños.We believe,
That the Sablay, as a loose sash containing geometric motifs of Philippine indigenous tribes and the Baybayin figures for the letters ‘U’ and ‘P’, is uniquely Filipino and the use of which a proper symbol of the academic consummation of an individual.That the University of the Philippines, as the country’s premier institution of higher learning, true to its mandate of delivering education that is for and by the Filipino, is wholly committed to empowering the ethnic identity of its students and the diverse cultural communities of the Philippines.
Therefore,
We call on the Administration; particularly the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Instruction, to standardize the use of the UP Sablay as the official Academic and Graduation attire of the University of the Philippines Los Baños, beginning this Graduation and Commencement Exercises 2012, andTo allow graduating students who are members of indigenous peoples/ethnic groups the option to wear their respective cultural outfits underneath the Sablay during the Graduation ceremonies.
Iskolars,
Don the UP Sablay!
Uphold the UP Spirit!
The movement was able to gather more than 5,800 signatures from students.
Use of Sablay is ‘good to go’
By Maricar Cinco
Inquirer Southern Luzon
9:49 pm | Tuesday, February 28th, 2012LOS BAÑOS—Students of the University of the Philippines-Los Baños (UPLB) have gathered the number of signatures required for the state campus to adopt the Sablay as official attire on graduation day.
The use of UP Sablay as graduation attire was “good to go,” said Tres Panganiban, of the UPLB Student Council.
Panganiban said the use of Sablay as official graduation attire has been proposed since 2009.
In UP Diliman, students have been wearing the Sablay for graduation rites since the 1990s. Except for those in medical courses, graduates in UP Manila also wear Sablay.
A graduate can own the Sablay as souvenir for P700-P800, which is slightly more expensive than renting a toga for P400-P500, Panganiban said.
Students, however, could also rent Sablay for a lower price, said Panganiban.
The use of the toga has not been banned though so students and faculty have choices: a toga or Filipiniana, or a combination of both, as long as they use UP’s Sablay. (Source: a Pinoy Exchange user in: History of Sablay)
Aside from being Pinoy to the core, the sablay has practical advantages over the toga. Dr. Victor Paz, Director of UP’s Archaeological Studies Program, once mentioned in his Arkiyoloji 1 class that the sablay is more suited for the tropical climate, compared with the toga which was born in colder lands. This might seem like a minor issue, until you get to know that there have been cases of UPians fainting in the middle of academic ceremonies due to the choking heat of the toga. (Source: Sablay, the Filipino Graduation Garb)
Now that we have cleared the origin and the use of the Sablay as a graduation attire, we now come to the question as to whether we can use it at other events or ceremonies outside of UP, and the answer is YES.
For example, my cousin who holds undergraduate and masters degrees from the University of the Philippines Diliman and currently a faculty at the Ateneo de Naga University wore his Sablay during the graduation ceremonies at the AdNU.
Also, if one is to represent UP as an official or a faculty member, you are to wear the Academic Costume, in this case the Sablay, no matter where you are (or in the very own words of my friend and current faculty of the UPD College of Engineering Ms. Liberato, “kahit saang lupalop ka pa mapadpad”.) 😛
P.S.
Please comment if there are incorrect statements in this blog. Thanks!
Thanks for this post and info about the sablay.
*erratum – PANTONE, not Panthone; can also be referred as PMS(pantone color system) then the corresponding number thereafter
Thanks! I myself did not notice it to edit it as I just did a copy+paste into the /blockquote tags. 🙂 Someone should also edit the original at http://www.ovcrd.upd.edu.ph/blog/2010/03/09/up-sablay/ 🙂
If there is an event/celebration (not U.P.) that a U.P. alumnus is going to attend and he/she has her/his own Sablay, can she/he used it over a Filipiniana Muslim costume ?
Yes, he/she can.
oohhh i didn’t know the sablay was copyrighted hahahaha… i knew the symbols were baybayin, though.
i wonder if i could wear it at a UP classmates wedding? hahahaha, jk.
You could, but why would you? When you could sashay into the wedding in a fantabulous outfit instead? 😉
I am interested with this idea you have presented. I am no lawyer but as far as I am aware of the law on intellectual property:
1. Copyrights need not be registered, unlike Trademarks/Tradenames and Patents
2. If the copyright owners consent to the use of their work (design of sablay) then their is no problem and the schools above may use the concept of the sablay.
I wonder where did you get the mentioned registration details? Would you know who are the creators of the Sablay design (actual people involved) because if the copyright owners are dead and 50 years has passed, then people can freely use creative work mentioned.
Would love if you could clarify.
I am no lawyer either but as far as I know, copyrights are registered.
And to my understanding, the copyright applies to the term “Sablay” and not to the design on the sash or the sash itself. That is why other universities, or even organizations, can use a sash, worn in that way or for/in similar purposes.
The details quoted above WAS taken from here -> http://www.ovcrd.upd.edu.ph/blog/2010/03/09/up-sablay/. Also, as far as I know, Baybayin is free to be used by anyone as it is an ancient script/pre-Spanish Philippine writing system. See: http://www.mts.net/~pmorrow/bayeng1.htm
Nice article and informative
There is no need to have copyrights registered. Under the Intellectual Property Code (R.A. No. 8293), copyright exists over a creative work from the moment of its creation. That being said, it doesn’t mean one cannot have his copyright over a creative work registered if he desires to.
Also, copyright is intended to protect the originality of expression. Thus, if other schools use the exact, same design of the UP Sablay (which constitutes UP’s original expression of its academic costume) for any purpose without securing the authorization of the UP, that is copyright infringement under the law. If other schools use their own sash with different colors or different dimensions, UP cannot use its copyright over the Sablay to prevent other schools from doing that. There is no copyright over colors, shapes or a design concept or idea alone, as it is to the entire physical creative work to which the protection of the law on copyright attaches. After all, the law on copyright cannot possibly protect an idea or a concept – something that dwells in the minds of persons – unless of course someone acts on that idea or concept and expresses it in some physical, tangible form.
So yes, the UP Sablay is for the exclusive use of the UP alone, but other designs or expressions of the same concept are deemed original under the law and are entitled to copyright protection in the same way that the Sablay enjoys such benefit of the law.
I am from UPLB, yet I believe that only UP Sablay is a UP exclusive. I think UP owns the rights to Sablay but it should (and does) not monopolize it. It is envisioned to become a genuinely Filipino academic garb, and other schools have the freedom to have their own versions of it. UP may be the pioneer, but what is a pioneer for if no one will follow its footsteps? Sablay for all Filipino schools: That’s a good idea. Promotes nationalism and eradicates Western dominance over our educational system, little by little.
PUP has its own version of it.
I’ve learned a lot from reading this article. Thank you.
I graduated from UP Cebu in 1983 for my undergraduate degree. I finished my M.A. and doctorate degrees from another university where I have been teaching since 2001. Considering your information that the UP Sablay is more practical to wear in our Philippine climate, could I wear the Sablay during our graduation/commencement ceremonies in our university ( not UP)? Thank you so much for your input.
Yes you definitely can! 🙂
I agree 🙂
You definitely can maam! 😀 UP alumna ka, so isuot mo po iyan 🙂 ! Yung ibang mga prof tuwing graduation suot nila ang toga nila kung saan nila nakuha ang degree nila.
I achieved my masteral degree in DevComm, UP Open University, we’re all wearing sablay
I am a UP alumnus and I’m currently teaching at a private school in Quezon City. The school is having the Buwan ng Wika celebration on Tuesday and faculty members are required to wear Filipiniana. In this light, I’d like to ask if I can wear my sablay over my Barong even in this event.
Thank you very much in advance. 🙂
Hi Jayson, sorry about the late reply but the answer is yes. Hope this helps! 🙂
Hi! I am just wondering: How about graduates of diploma courses? Can they also wear sablay on graduation? How about non-degree holders (Certificate course)? Just wondering. Disclaimer: I am not a UP graduate, but I am posing this question for free discussion. 😉
if a student took a certicate couse in up diliman, does he or she can attend the commncement proper of the university and wear the sablay? thank you:)
hi i am a upd alumnus.. and currently studying foreign relations at princeton university.. i wore my u.p sablay during our annual cultural feast and was proud to get some positive remarks from my asian classmates esp. the malay’s who until now regard u.p as a center of academic excellence in southeast asia.
Hi,
This is a very informative article! 🙂 Thanks for this.
I have a couple of questions to ask, might be helpful also for those who will be graduating this year. 🙂
1. (This question might sound stupid and pretty obvious but I want to get your opinion) I have seen two types (or make, can’t get the right term), one was being sold for a lower price (P 750), the baybayin is embroidered (sold by a shop at SC in UP Diliman) and one sold at a higher price (P 900), the baybayin is woven (sold at Bahay ng Alumni)… they say that the prescribed sablay is the higher priced one… as I compare, the cloth are pretty much the same (at least in my opinion, both looks like and feels like hablon) and the way the baybayin was written is the only difference.. so the question is, does it really matter which type one use during the ceremony? Or is the “prescribed” one better?
2. I will be graduating my masters degree… I have read here something like:
“Candidates for graduation wear the sablay at the right shoulder, and is then moved to the left shoulder after the President of the University confers their degree, similar to the moving of the tassel of the academic cap.”
So does that mean since I already obtained a previous degree, should I initially wear my Sablay at the left instead? If yes, should I move it around during graduation ceremonies like transferring tassles?
So there… some shallow but questions you might ponder on… 🙂
@Chardee
My two cents:
1. Yung hablon po ang tama. Not just better, but it’s actually what you should wear. The one where the baybayin is woven.
2. I am not sure about this so I’ll pass. 🙂
[…] of the sablay, information suggests that UP has registered this as original academic regalia. Additional information here. Share this:TwitterFacebookPinterestLike this:Like […]
any school can use sablay, using their own logo ……….. sablay is not only exclusive for UP.
“sayang, akala ko sa UP lang may sablay”
“next time, may oblation na sa ibang school”
i dont know how will i react on this. napaka-immature. at bakit magkakaroon ng oblation sa ibang schools? stop mockery! naaawa ako sayo. burn!
sayang pagiging UP student mo. walang wala ka sa mga kakilala ko. may yabang pero may ipagyayabang. ikaw, anong meron ka?
In my humble opinion, UP should not have the monopoly of use-of-practical-and-more-appropriate-for-graduation-in-the-Philippines, but rather it should lead the way for other schools to do that.
I disagree that the term sablay should and can be copyrighted, in as much as the natural words “towel”, “hikaw”, “korona”, “toga” can neither be.
hi.. i’m just wondering.. if you already graduated and did not use the Sablay during your commencement exercise, can you still avail or buy the Sablay? thanks
I don’t see anything wrong for other universities to use the Sablay concept as well. For what I know, UP did not follow the westernly attire of graduation gown (in black). UP opt to create a Filipino tradition on its own and inspires others to follow. Now that other universities are doing it, we should be happier that we are breaking free from foreign influences.
Just curious. Is it allowed to add your initials to your sablay?
Very nice article!!! After reading this, mas gusto ko na tuloy lalo bumili ng sarili kong “UP Sablay” as a souvenir for being a Alumnus of UP Los Banos. Pwede rin maipasa sa mga magiging anak ko in the future pag nag UP rin sila at makapagtapos din sa ating mahal na unibersidad… =)
Hello.. Good Day..
Tanong ko lang kung pati ba ang Diploma Program ng UP is also allowed to wear Sablay or kung Sablay din ang suot ni during graduation ceremony?
Sorry I have never encountered the term UPian during my years in UP nor would I refer to my fellow alumni as UPians. Sounds weird.
hello all,
Nag aaral po ako sa U.P. Open University kasalukuyan ..NON Formal course .
allowed po ba mag suot ako ng Sablay (U.P.) pag papa picture ako sa studio.thanks.
what school po ung blue sash or blue sablay?
AIM started the stiff version of the sablay. Stiff because it’s ironed flat.
University of Rizal System
Hi, Magandang may gantong programa, lalo na ang pagpapalaganap ng Baybayin gamit ang Sablay..
KASO po bakit yung baybayin ng ibang colleges ay “Literally” Sablay sa pagkasulat ng baybayin.
Kinikilala ang UP sa pagiging makabayan, so sana po may dagdag na research para sa pinapakita sa mga estudyante 🙂
We have the similar sash but of different color combination (green and gold) with modified baybayin “DES”. We use during our AlaBilin (Turn-over Ceremony of grade 5 and 6 students).
I think it’s really an appreciation of the Filipino culture, that’s why we tend to use it in our school activity.
Hi! I’m a UP Grauate and is currently taking a Diploma Course in another school. Graduation na namin this April 2. Dapat ba Sablay isuot ko? Please answer. Thank you!
Hi, I think you need to wear the academic attire prescribed by your CURRENT school.
Hi. Can I ask if Sablay is also the official graduation attire for Master’s degree graduating students? I hope to hear form you or from anyone who know the answer. Thank you. 🙂
The UP Sablay is the official graduation attire for graduating undergraduate, masters, and doctorate degree students of UP Diliman.
Hi! I love this article.
*Erratum – Lyceum of the Philippines University, not Lyceum University of the Philippines.
Very informative, indeed po.
May tanong po sana ako.. Ako po ay naimbitahan na maging Commencement Speaker ng aking dating paaralan sa elementarya na isang pamantasan din dito sa Bicol. Maari ko din ba na gamitin ang aking sablay na nakapatong sa aking barong kahit na ako’y graduate na may bachelor’s degree lamang sa UP Diliman?
Oo naman! 🙂
Ayun.. maraming salamat po sa napakabilis na tugon..
Paki-delete na lang po yung duplicate ng post ko..
Good Night😊
Are you from Bicol din? We have mutual friends on facebook. Taga-Iriga kasi ako.
Yes I’m from Pili. My grandmother is from Iriga and I used to be fluent in Rinconada but now just some phrases I can speak. 😊
WOW.. small world! very nice.. I’m currently based in Iriga City. Home-based yung work ko kaya I decided to relocate here back in 2011.. Nice meeting you po.. Thanks ulit.
Very informative, indeed po.
May tanong po sana ako.. Ako po ay naimbitahan na maging Commencement Speaker ng aking dating paaralan sa elementarya na isang pamantasan din dito sa Bicol. Maari ko din ba na gamitin ang aking sablay na nakapatong sa aking barong kahit na ako’y graduate na may bachelor’s degree lamang sa UP Diliman? Wala din po ako master’s degree..
Where can I buy the prescribed & official UP sablay? Graduated 1985 UPD and would like to have one for important academic functions. Thanks!