The Department of Education (DepEd) clarified that there is no need to buy shirts as alternate uniforms during the hot weather as teaching and non-teaching personnel can wear collared existing shirts of “any color.”
“The memo to the field is that as an alternate uniform, our teachers can wear the DepEd collared shirts that they already have,” said DepEd Undersecretary and Spokesperson Michael Poa.
He reiterated that shirts of “any color” and those worn by teachers and personnel in any previous event are allowed. “Kaya hindi na po kailangan bumili (So there's no need to buy),” he added.
Likewise, DepEd Assistant Secretary Francis Bringas explained that “DepEd shirts” are not limited to those related only to national programs.
He added that there are various DepEd events in schools, districts, divisions, and regions where shirts were distributed. “Those are allowed so long as collared as per guidelines so no need to buy,” he added.
Not authorized
Following DepEd’s announcement of alternate uniforms for teachers and non-teaching staff during extreme heat, various online sellers started offering DepEd shirts.
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“Sa social media naglipana talaga ang enterprising individuals/groups na gusto naman kumita (On social media, there's definitely an abundance of enterprising individuals and groups looking to make a profit),” Bringas said.
“But DepEd did not authorize anyone or any group to sell,” he added.
Bringas explained that just like all other seals and logos, the DepEd seal and MATATAG seal are readily accessible on the internet. “Again we are allowing the use of any collared DepEd shirts that they already have,” he said.
Comfortable alternatives
In a separate statement, a group of education workers urged DepEd to ease policy on uniforms amid hotter days but also ensure that this will not entail additional expenses for teachers and other personnel.
ACT Philippines urged DepEd to allow teachers, students, and non-teaching personnel to “dress in comfortable alternatives” particularly in situations of excessive heat that may lead to discomfort and stress.
The group also called for DepEd to ensure that teachers and students will not be financially burdened by having to adhere to their set guidelines.
“Panawagan natin ang pagluluwag sa polisiya hinggil sa pagsusuot ng uniporme dala ng matinding init (We are calling for a relaxation of the policy regarding uniform wearing due to intense heat),” said Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines Chairperson Vladimer Quetua.
Aside from the severity of the climate crisis, Quetua noted that therei also a significant economic crisis. “Kaya dapat na sigurihin ng ahensya na hindi na kakailanganin pa ng mga guro, bata, at kawani na gumastos para lamang makasunod sa guidelines sa alternatibong pananamit ngayong tag-init (So the agency must ensure that teachers, students, and employees no longer need to spend just to comply with guidelines on alternative clothing this summer,” he added.
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https://mb.com.ph/2024/4/16/no-prescribed-colors-for-alternate-uniforms-dep-ed