31/05/2026
๐๐๐๐ง๐จ๐ฅ๐ | ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฐ ๐ง๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐บ๐ฒ๐บ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐
Long before the names are called and the diplomas are raised, there is one detail at graduation that quietly moves across every shoulderโseen by all, yet rarely questioned. It is more than fabric, more than color, and more than formality. A silent marker of identity that carries traces of history, sacrifice, and pride. Once introduced as a practical alternative to tradition, it gradually took shape into something far more personalโwoven not just with thread, but with the evolving culture of an institution and the memories of those who passed through it.
To some, it is merely ceremonial fabric. But woven within every stitch of the BISCAST Salihoy are stories of culture, heritage, and institutional pride.
Before the diploma is handed, Salihoy draped across every graduateโs shoulders stands as more than decorationโit is identity made visible. What was once a simple academic garment evolved into a symbol uniquely tied to BISCAST.
๐ข๐ฟ๐ถ๐ด๐ถ๐ป๐ ๐ช๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ป ๐๐ป๐๐ผ ๐ง๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป
Salihoy was formally approved through Board Resolution No. 288, s. 2020 on July 1, 2020. Although approved effective Academic Year 2019โ2020, it was first officially worn during the institutionโs 48th Commencement Exercises in 2021.
According to its proponent, Ms. Xiela Patricia B. Azaรฑes, the shift from the traditional toga to the Sablayโlater more widely known as the โSalihoyโโis rooted in practicality, innovation, and identity.
โWhen we traced the history of the toga, it was used in countries with colder [climates]. Because of [the] colonial mentality, so [iyon ang] na-adapt din natin,โ Azaรฑes explained.
As graduation ceremonies in the Philippines are often held in open or poorly ventilated venues, the full academic regalia has become increasingly inconvenient for students, especially amid rising temperatures. BISCAST then sought to adopt a more comfortable, climate-appropriate academic garment while preserving the dignity and solemnity of rites.
The transition also reflected a growing movement among universities shifting from conventional academic gowns toward garments rooted in local identity and institutional representation.
๐ง๐ต๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ ๐๐ฒ๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ป
The BISCAST Salihoy was conceptualized and designed by Ms. Xiela Patricia B. Azaรฑes and Mr. Francis Euste.
Before finalizing the design, research was conducted regarding the proper textile, measurements, specifications, and symbolism appropriate for the institution. The Salihoy was designed using viscose cloth.
Every detail of the garment was intentionally chosen to embody BISCASTโs identity. The institutionโs official colors became central elements of the design, alongside embroidered patterns and symbols connected to the collegeโs history.
Embedded within the Salihoy are Baybayin symbols translating โBISCAST,โ the official institutional logo, laurel leaves symbolizing honor and prestige, and gears representing the institutionโs roots in industrial trades and its evolution through time.
Within the institutional guidelines embedded in the Salihoyโs design, an initial set of approved colors was established to represent BISCASTโs colleges and sectors.
๐ฃ๐ฎ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ป๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐๐น๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฒ
While the Salihoy primarily reflects institutional identity, its transition from toga to sablay also mirrors the growing embrace of localized academic traditions in the Philippines. Instead of relying solely on an academic gown, the garment became a way for BISCAST to present itself through symbols, colors, and textile choices that resonate more closely with Filipino and regional realities.
Its adaptation reflects practicality shaped by the Philippine climate while simultaneously asserting a distinct institutional image. Over time, the Salihoy became visually recognizable as uniquely BISCAST.
โIt gives us a distinct identity,โ Azaรฑes said, noting that people could instantly recognize it and say, โOh, iyan, sa BISCAST โyan.โ
The use of embroidered Baybayin symbols further strengthens its connection to Filipino heritage, while the incorporation of institutional elements transforms the Salihoy into a representation of the collegeโs history and values.
๐ ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ง๐ต๐ฎ๐ป ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐๐๐ถ๐ฟ๐ฒ
Beyond comfort and appearance, the Salihoy eventually became a defining part of the graduation experience itself. Salihoy is a symbol students associate with achievement, sacrifice, and institutional pride.
For graduating BSEE student Kim Garcia, wearing the Salihoy represents far more than participation in a ceremony.
โAs a graduating student of this institution, wearing the Salihoy is a deeply meaningful part of our graduation ceremony because it embodies both our own rich traditions and our academic success,โ Garcia shared.
โIt carries the prestigious name of our school while reflecting the immense hardships and sleepless nights we successfully survived to reach this milestone,โ he added.
๐ช๐ผ๐ฟ๐ป ๐ฆ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฒ
For many students, Salihoy transforms graduation into something more personal and emotional. Beyond its ceremonial purpose, it becomes a reminder of memories built throughout the years.
Garcia described the experience as both fulfilling and bittersweet.
โWrapping myself in this academic garb fills me with a warm, profound sense of accomplishment, yet it also carries a mild sadness as it marks the official end of my college life,โ he said.
The Salihoy becomes more than a garment worn for a single day. It becomes a physical reminder of journeys completed within the institution.
๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฐ ๐ง๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐บ๐ฒ๐บ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐
Since its introduction, the Salihoy has evolved not only in function but also in perception. Originally intended to be sold to graduates, it later shifted to become freely rented for graduating students.
Despite these, the purpose behind the Salihoy remains unchanged: to provide graduates with an academic costume that is practical, meaningful, and distinctly BISCAST.
Today, as more students wear Salihoy during commencement exercises, it continues to evolve from ceremonial attire into a lasting symbol of identityโstitched not only with thread, but with memory and โTatak ASTeanโ pride.
More than a cloth, the BISCAST Salihoy stands as a woven reflection of the institution itselfโits history, its people, and the generations of graduates who carry its story forward.
Words by Francine Louise Ramos
Pubmat by Xian Tristan Teaรฑo
