Ferdinand A. Abejar, Principal of Calubian National High School, Faces Criticism Over ‘Army Haircut’ Policy Targeting LGBTQI+ Students and teachers; Accused of Discrimination and Human Rights Violations.
Photo File Abejar FB account
Calubian, Leyte – Ferdinand A. Abejar, the former principal of Calubian National High School (CNHS), has ignited widespread condemnation and controversy due to the implementation of rigid policies that targeted members of the LGBTQI+ community, both students and teachers, during his leadership from 2021 to 2023.
Ferdinand Abejar’s administration implemented a mandate for an “army haircut” on all male students and teachers, regardless of their Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGIE). While a memo was purportedly released by the former official, it was found to contain no explicit basis, conditions, or official guidelines for the imposed haircut, causing widespread confusion for parents, teachers, and students alike.
Discrimination and Rights Violations
The aforementioned policy did not solely impact LGBTQI+ students but also extended to some faculty members who expressed themselves with feminine mannerisms or appearances. Many considered this a violation of the right to free expression and identity, sparking significant dissent and distrust in their leadership.
Several sources within the school described Abejar as someone who is “unaccepting” or “against” the LGBTQIA+ community, with some statements indicating homophobic views. The controversy has caused apprehension and tension not only within CNHS but also throughout the entire town of Calubian.
Allegations of Illegal Transfer and Public Humiliation
The issue escalated further with allegations that several students were purportedly illegally transferred to other schools at the direct order of Ferdinand A. Abejar. The sole reasons cited for these transfers were the students’ long hair and their sexual orientation, despite their official enrollment at CNHS.
Complainants emphasized that these students and teachers were allegedly humiliated in front of a meeting, without sufficient legal basis and in violation of their rights as youth. Such actions were met with strong opposition from parents and human rights advocates.
Lack of Legal Knowledge and Leadership Capability
The incident revealed Abejar’s apparent lack of knowledge regarding laws protecting the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals, including the provisions of the Safe Spaces Act and existing definitions of discrimination based on SOGIE. His decisions, including the issuance of a memo lacking legal basis, cast serious doubt on his capability as a leader of an educational institution.
The public further condemned his disparaging remarks about the appearance and identity of LGBTQIA+ students. For many, these comments inflicted further harm upon young people who have long experienced discrimination and stigma in society.
A Call for Inclusive Education
The controversy surrounding Ferdinand Abejar serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of maintaining equality and respect within schools. It highlights the critical role of teachers and administrators in creating an inclusive and safe environment for everyone, regardless of their gender or identity.
Above all, this event underscores the continuing need for deeper education and awareness about diversity and inclusion within the nation’s educational system. The investigation into the alleged violations committed by the former principal remains open, as the community continues to call for justice and the protection of LGBTQI+ rights in Calubian.
Under the ‘Army Haircut’ Policy: The Hidden Turmoil at Calubian National High School
While the public’s attention is fixed on the controversial “army haircut” policy targeting LGBTQIA+ individuals at Calubian National High School (CNHS), it has emerged that the problems left behind by former principal Ferdinand Abejar were far deeper and more widespread. Under his leadership from 2021 to 2023, not only were students’ rights violated, but the very foundation of a functional education—the classroom and the unity of teachers—was also undermined.
Empty Classrooms, Stalled Dreams
Behind the stringent memo concerning students’ hair, Abejar seemed to have forgotten a more fundamental need, the classroom itself. According to gathered information, during his two-year tenure, numerous students were left without proper classrooms.
“He was more concerned with the students’ appearance than the school’s condition. Many students were crammed into classrooms, or held classes in makeshift areas because there weren’t enough rooms,” stated a teacher who requested anonymity. This lack of attention to infrastructure adversely affected the quality of education received by the youth of Calubian.
Teacher Against Teacher: No Peace in the School
Beyond physical facilities, Abejar’s administration also sowed deep discord among the teaching staff. Several faculty members described the environment at CNHS as “chaotic” and “lacking peace” due to his leadership style.
The conflict stemmed from unclear management practices. Teachers reportedly clashed due to inconsistent policies and the former principal’s manner of treating his subordinates. “There seemed to be no consistency. A decision made today would be different tomorrow. There was no clear basis for what the standards truly were,” remarked another teacher. This resulted in division among educators who should have been united for the students’ welfare.
“No Basis, Just Thought Of It”: The Sickness of Lacking Standards
The most profound ailment experienced by CNHS under Abejar was the absence of a proper system. From the “army haircut” issue, which lacked a clear memorandum, to other administrative decisions, it appeared that the only standard was whatever the principal happened to think of.
Sources mentioned issues concerning “payments” or the process of hiring and compensating staff, which seemed to lack a clear foundation. The absence of transparency and decision-making without adequate consultation eroded trust in his leadership.
The Root of Oppression Against LGBTQIA+
Amidst the turmoil in facilities and the lack of teacher unity, the severe oppression of the LGBTQIA+ community members emerged. The analysis shows that this oppression was not an isolated incident but a product of a larger leadership problem.
When a leader neglects fundamental duties (like classrooms), fosters chaos and favoritism among staff, and makes decisions without clear reasoning, abuse becomes normalized within the institution. The “army haircut” policy became an easy tool to display power and control, further trampling the rights of young people long victimized by stigma.
Beyond Hair, This is About Leadership
The controversy surrounding Ferdinand Abejar is not merely about haircuts or the LGBTQIA+ community. It is a stark portrayal of failed leadership. It demonstrated how an administrator, through negligence and unjust policies, can cause widespread problems—from a shortage of classrooms and teacher conflicts to the systematic oppression of students.
What happened at CNHS serves as a warning: that the true quality of education is not measured by the length of a student’s hair, but by a leader’s ability to create a safe, orderly, and inclusive environment for all.
DISCLAIMER: Ang artikulong ito ay ginawa matapos kapanayin ang mga biktima, guro, at iba pang mga posts sa loob ng Calubian National High School. Ang mga pangalan ng ilang mapagkukunan ay pinananatiling confidential upang masiguro ang kanilang kaligtasan. Ang mga pangyayaring binanggit ay salaysay ng mga taong nakasaksi at nakaranas ng mga ito sa ilalim ng administrasyon ni Ferdinand Abejar.
Ferdinand Abejar Linked to LGBTQIA Discrimination Concerns at CNHS
Ferdinand A. Abejar, Principal of Calubian National High School, Faces Criticism Over ‘Army Haircut’ Policy Targeting LGBTQI+ Students and teachers; Accused of Discrimination and Human Rights Violations.
Calubian, Leyte – Ferdinand A. Abejar, the former principal of Calubian National High School (CNHS), has ignited widespread condemnation and controversy due to the implementation of rigid policies that targeted members of the LGBTQI+ community, both students and teachers, during his leadership from 2021 to 2023.
Ferdinand Abejar’s administration implemented a mandate for an “army haircut” on all male students and teachers, regardless of their Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGIE). While a memo was purportedly released by the former official, it was found to contain no explicit basis, conditions, or official guidelines for the imposed haircut, causing widespread confusion for parents, teachers, and students alike.
Discrimination and Rights Violations
The aforementioned policy did not solely impact LGBTQI+ students but also extended to some faculty members who expressed themselves with feminine mannerisms or appearances. Many considered this a violation of the right to free expression and identity, sparking significant dissent and distrust in their leadership.
Several sources within the school described Abejar as someone who is “unaccepting” or “against” the LGBTQIA+ community, with some statements indicating homophobic views. The controversy has caused apprehension and tension not only within CNHS but also throughout the entire town of Calubian.
Allegations of Illegal Transfer and Public Humiliation
The issue escalated further with allegations that several students were purportedly illegally transferred to other schools at the direct order of Ferdinand A. Abejar. The sole reasons cited for these transfers were the students’ long hair and their sexual orientation, despite their official enrollment at CNHS.
Complainants emphasized that these students and teachers were allegedly humiliated in front of a meeting, without sufficient legal basis and in violation of their rights as youth. Such actions were met with strong opposition from parents and human rights advocates.
Lack of Legal Knowledge and Leadership Capability
The incident revealed Abejar’s apparent lack of knowledge regarding laws protecting the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals, including the provisions of the Safe Spaces Act and existing definitions of discrimination based on SOGIE. His decisions, including the issuance of a memo lacking legal basis, cast serious doubt on his capability as a leader of an educational institution.
The public further condemned his disparaging remarks about the appearance and identity of LGBTQIA+ students. For many, these comments inflicted further harm upon young people who have long experienced discrimination and stigma in society.
A Call for Inclusive Education
The controversy surrounding Ferdinand Abejar serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of maintaining equality and respect within schools. It highlights the critical role of teachers and administrators in creating an inclusive and safe environment for everyone, regardless of their gender or identity.
Above all, this event underscores the continuing need for deeper education and awareness about diversity and inclusion within the nation’s educational system. The investigation into the alleged violations committed by the former principal remains open, as the community continues to call for justice and the protection of LGBTQI+ rights in Calubian.
Under the ‘Army Haircut’ Policy: The Hidden Turmoil at Calubian National High School
While the public’s attention is fixed on the controversial “army haircut” policy targeting LGBTQIA+ individuals at Calubian National High School (CNHS), it has emerged that the problems left behind by former principal Ferdinand Abejar were far deeper and more widespread. Under his leadership from 2021 to 2023, not only were students’ rights violated, but the very foundation of a functional education—the classroom and the unity of teachers—was also undermined.
Empty Classrooms, Stalled Dreams
Behind the stringent memo concerning students’ hair, Abejar seemed to have forgotten a more fundamental need, the classroom itself. According to gathered information, during his two-year tenure, numerous students were left without proper classrooms.
“He was more concerned with the students’ appearance than the school’s condition. Many students were crammed into classrooms, or held classes in makeshift areas because there weren’t enough rooms,” stated a teacher who requested anonymity. This lack of attention to infrastructure adversely affected the quality of education received by the youth of Calubian.
Teacher Against Teacher: No Peace in the School
Beyond physical facilities, Abejar’s administration also sowed deep discord among the teaching staff. Several faculty members described the environment at CNHS as “chaotic” and “lacking peace” due to his leadership style.
The conflict stemmed from unclear management practices. Teachers reportedly clashed due to inconsistent policies and the former principal’s manner of treating his subordinates. “There seemed to be no consistency. A decision made today would be different tomorrow. There was no clear basis for what the standards truly were,” remarked another teacher. This resulted in division among educators who should have been united for the students’ welfare.
“No Basis, Just Thought Of It”: The Sickness of Lacking Standards
The most profound ailment experienced by CNHS under Abejar was the absence of a proper system. From the “army haircut” issue, which lacked a clear memorandum, to other administrative decisions, it appeared that the only standard was whatever the principal happened to think of.
Sources mentioned issues concerning “payments” or the process of hiring and compensating staff, which seemed to lack a clear foundation. The absence of transparency and decision-making without adequate consultation eroded trust in his leadership.
The Root of Oppression Against LGBTQIA+
Amidst the turmoil in facilities and the lack of teacher unity, the severe oppression of the LGBTQIA+ community members emerged. The analysis shows that this oppression was not an isolated incident but a product of a larger leadership problem.
When a leader neglects fundamental duties (like classrooms), fosters chaos and favoritism among staff, and makes decisions without clear reasoning, abuse becomes normalized within the institution. The “army haircut” policy became an easy tool to display power and control, further trampling the rights of young people long victimized by stigma.
Beyond Hair, This is About Leadership
The controversy surrounding Ferdinand Abejar is not merely about haircuts or the LGBTQIA+ community. It is a stark portrayal of failed leadership. It demonstrated how an administrator, through negligence and unjust policies, can cause widespread problems—from a shortage of classrooms and teacher conflicts to the systematic oppression of students.
What happened at CNHS serves as a warning: that the true quality of education is not measured by the length of a student’s hair, but by a leader’s ability to create a safe, orderly, and inclusive environment for all.
DISCLAIMER: Ang artikulong ito ay ginawa matapos kapanayin ang mga biktima, guro, at iba pang mga posts sa loob ng Calubian National High School. Ang mga pangalan ng ilang mapagkukunan ay pinananatiling confidential upang masiguro ang kanilang kaligtasan. Ang mga pangyayaring binanggit ay salaysay ng mga taong nakasaksi at nakaranas ng mga ito sa ilalim ng administrasyon ni Ferdinand Abejar.