DepEd: Uniform not required for public school students during distance learning

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday clarified that it is not requiring public school students to wear uniforms during online classes.

Citing Department Order (DO) No. 065-2010, DepEd said that even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was not a strict requirement for public school students to be in uniform while attending classes.

“The DepEd is not requiring learners to wear school uniform in any distance learning approaches that they will participate in for School Year 2020-2021,” it said in a statement.

“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 home,” it added.

Asked if private schools can compel students to be in proper uniform during distance learning, DepEd Undersecretary Annalyn Sevilla said: “Not necessarily.”

“[A]s per the manual of regulations for private schools in basic education (DO No. 88, s2010), private schools are authorized to draft and implement its own school policies and rules, as approved by its governing body in accordance with the law and applicable policies/rules of the department,” Sevilla said in a message to reporters.

DepEd’s clarification comes after a report indicated that DepEd Region 7 director Dr. Salustiano Jimenez urged students to be in proper uniform or appropriate clothing while online classes are ongoing.

Classes are set to start on August 24.

KGA