CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) is reconstituting its Uniform Committee (DUC) to address pressing concerns of its workforce regarding uniforms.
The newly reconstituted DUC will be composed of nine (9) national organizations and associations of teachers and non-teaching employees to ensure that uniform policies reflect the voices of stakeholders.
The Undersecretary for Human Resource and Organizational Development chairs the said committee while the Assistant Secretary for Operations serves as Vice-Chairperson.
The DUC has been instructed to oversee the selection, implementation, and monitoring of DepEd uniforms for the current school year and for 2025-2026.
DepEd has been given the committee six months to draft and release internal guidelines that align with CSC’s updated policies.
Under DepEd Memorandum No. 004, s. 2025, the Department aims to foster greater inclusivity and practicality in uniform policies.
The committee’s primary goal is to ensure that uniforms are professional and appropriate for the working conditions and environments in schools nationwide, in response to the Civil Service Commission Memorandum Circular No. 16, s. 2024, which revises the dress code for government officials and employees.
While the new internal dress code of DepEd is still finalized, all field personnel are advised to adhere to DM-OUHROD-2022-0042, entitled “Wearing of the Prescribed DepEd Uniform and Office Attire.”
“We want to foster a more inclusive, practical, and supportive approach to uniform policies. This initiative not only reflects DepEd’s responsiveness to the needs of its personnel but also its commitment to strengthening the education system for the benefit of all stakeholders,” Secretary Sonny Angara said.
Organizations are required to submit their permanent representatives by January 17, 2025, via email to bhrod.ewd@deped.gov.ph. –/FPL (FREEMAN)