DSWD employees now allowed to wear uniforms matching their gender identity

The Department of Social Welfare and Development has released a memo that fosters a more gender-inclusive workplace.

“In view of providing a gender-inclusive workplace, please be reminded that DSWD personnel have the right to comply with the office uniform styles prescribed by the Department in a manner consistent with their gender identity and expression," DSWD Undersecretary for Institutional Development Group (IDG) Mae Fe Ancheta-Templa said in the memo issued September 29.

The memo was addressed to all executive and management committee members and all regional directors and attached agencies of the DSWD.

"Preferred uniform styles of personnel belonging to the LGBTQ community will be respected i.e., either they opt to wear pants (in lieu of skirt) or skirt (in lieu of pants), following the grant of clothing allowance for 2016. The Department pledges to cultivate an environment free from discrimination, where diversity and inclusion are valued at all levels,” the memo continued.

DSWD Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo spoke in support of the memo, adding in the press statement, "Policies on respect for LGBTQ rights are policies that we want our employees to observe on their own volition, not because the administration of the DSWD orders them to, but because the employees themselves on their own see the importance of LGBTQ rights."

“We still have a very long way to go before the rights of LGBTQ become fully accepted in Philippine society, and every little effort to promote them is important and should be enforced,” she added.

LGBT rights group Bahaghari praised DSWD's efforts, asserting that "state institutions must take the lead in the promotion of the rights of LGBTQs."

Bahaghari also praised Taguiwalo for her "genuine determination" to support the LGBT community. —Aya Tantiangco/KG, GMA News