DepEd reconstitutes panel amid appeals on new uniform policy

Metro Manila, Philippines - A committee will be formed amid appeals on a new uniform policy for government officials including teachers, the Department of Education said on Thursday.

A teacher group has earlier lamented the Civil Service Commission’s revised dress code policies, requiring employees to wear an ASEAN-inspired attire every first Monday of the month and Filipiniana-inspired clothing on succeeding Mondays.

The Teacher’s Dignity Coalition called the rule impractical given conditions in public schools with many suffering from lack of proper ventilation.

DepEd said the panel will ensure that uniforms are professional and appropriate for teacher and learner working conditions. It said the current dress code policy remains pending new guidelines that are aligned with CSC’s order.

Teachers now wear four sets of uniforms per week. They may wear “appropriate office” attire on Fridays.

“We want to foster a more inclusive, practical, and supportive approach to uniform policies,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said in a press statement.

In a text message, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers said it welcomes the agency’s move to reform the panel.

“Panawagan at hamon sa deped na kung ano man ang recommendation na mabuo ng committee ay sana mabigyan ng halaga,” Vladimer Quetua, ACT chairperson, told NewsWatch Plus.

[Translation: Call and challenge to DepEd that whatever recommendation is made by the committee, may it be given due value]

NewsWatch Plus correspondent Lance Mejico contributed to this report