Filipiniana, Asean-inspired attire for gov’t workers on Mondays

MANILA, Philippines — Effective on Dec. 8, all government workers must wear “Filipiniana-inspired” clothes on all working Mondays of the month to “boost employee morale, professionalism and productivity” in public workplaces.

In its Memorandum Circular No. 16 issued on Wednesday, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) set a new dress code for government officials and employees, whether working on-site or under flexible arrangements.

The new dress guidelines, it said, promote the use of native fabrics in line with Republic Act No. 9242, or the Philippine Tropical Fabrics Law.

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Under the revised dress code, government workers must wear “Asean-inspired” attire on the first Monday of the month, referring to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and Filipiniana-inspired clothing for the remaining Mondays.

The memo defines Filipina-inspired attire as those “influenced by traditional Filipino clothing that embodies the rich culture, customs, and heritage of the Filipino people.” It could be pantsuits, blazers, or dresses “made from indigenous fabrics, adorned with intricate embroidery and unique details.”

Asean-inspired, on the other hand, refers to “clothing influenced by the traditional clothing of Asean member-states.”

“The use of Philippine tropical fabrics is required for the set of uniforms or a part thereof, not as a mere clothing embellishment or adornment,” the agency said.

Smart casual

For the rest of the week, or from Tuesday to Friday and on working weekends, the “agency-prescribed uniform” should be worn. On days without the designated uniform, smart casual attire will do, the CSC noted.

To meet gender inclusivity and diversity, public workers may wear the appropriate office dress code “that aligns with their gender preferences, identity, and expression.”

Government employees, however, are banned from wearing casual clothes and footwear, such as collarless T-shirts, plunging necklines, sleeveless tops, leggings, miniskirts, shorts, jogging pants, ripped jeans, sandals, and slippers, as well as heavy and excessive makeup and jewelry.