DepEd reminds parents of ‘no uniform’ policy

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday reiterated its “no uniform" policy and clarified what constitutes “proper school attire" - that is, clothes that encourage respect for the school as an institution for learning. “A student's right to study and learn is of paramount importance and should be respected and promoted at all times," Education Secretary Jesli Lapus said in an interview. He, however, warned that attires shouldn’t be cause for discrimination particularly against poor students. In keeping with these guidelines, the DepEd prescribes for boys a polo shirt/t-shirt of any plain color, with minimum prints and with sleeves; and pants can be long or short of any color, Lapus said. For girls, it can be a dress, skirt and blouse; blouse and pants of any color and any print. Boys and girls can wear any footwear, he added. DepEd’s directive also allows students to wear existing uniforms if they so desire. But it discouraged students from wearing expensive (signature or designer brands) or flashy clothes, tight-fitting pants, blouses, dresses, mini skirts, short shorts, blouses with plunging necklines and for boys, hip-hop pants and sleepwear. Lapus stressed that promoting hygiene and proper school decorum are part of the teaching-learning process in schools. "Thus, a student's attire and physical appearance should manifest the learning from this process," Lapus said. DepEd Order No. 45 Series of 2008 states that public elementary and secondary school students are not required to wear school uniforms. The order is aimed at increasing school participation of school-aged children by removing any obstacles to enrollment particularly those that have something to do with money. Public school student’s identification cards should be of no cost to parents, as school authorities should get funding for this purpose from maintenance and other operating expenses, he said. - GMANews.TV