Wearing of uniforms not required in online classes, DepEd clarifies

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday clarified that wearing school uniforms for online classes is not required.

In a statement, Secretary  Leonor Briones said DepEd is not requiring learners to wear uniforms in any distance learning approaches for School Year 2020-2021.

“Even before the pandemic, it is not a strict requirement for public schools to wear uniform (DepEd Order No. 065, s. 2010) to avoid incurring additional cost to the families of our learners,” she said.

“With face-to-face classes prohibited, learners are welcome to wear their most comfortable and appropriate clothes while learning at the safe confines of their homes,” she added.

DepEd made the clarification amid the confusion resulting from the statement of one of its provincial officials urging students to wear appropriate clothing when attending online classes to prevent incidents of bullying.

"To prevent from bullying na mangyayari, ini-encourage na dahil nasa platform ka na online, puwede lang magbihis ng angkop sa klase," said Dr. Salustiano Jimenez, DepEd Region 7 director.

Jimenez pointed out that online classes still have a classroom setting so students and teachers alike should wear appropriate clothing. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News