Citing its “impracticality” in public school settings, a group on Tuesday, Jan. 7, urged the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to exempt public school teachers from the requirement to wear ASEAN- or Filipiniana-inspired attire.

“While we recognize the intent to promote cultural identity and professionalism, we respectfully assert that this specific mandate poses significant challenges, particularly for public school teachers,” Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) National Chairperson Benjo Basas said in a letter addressed to CSC Chairperson Marilyn Barua-Yap.

TDC has formally appealed to the CSC to suspend the new dress code or at least reconsider the implementation of Memorandum Circular No. 16, s. 2024.

Teachers’ concerns

The circular requires government employees to wear ASEAN-inspired attire every first Monday of the month and Filipiniana-inspired attire on the second to fourth Mondays.

Unique realities in public schools

Basas, a public school teacher from Caloocan, highlighted the “unique realities” teachers face — including the lack of proper ventilation in many public schools and the physical demands of their duties.

“Teachers are not stationary; most of us are constantly moving from one classroom to another or even from one building to another,” Basas said.

“Unlike many office personnel who perform their tasks in air-conditioned offices, teachers endure extreme heat, especially during the hottest months,” he added.

DepEd’s prescribed uniforms

TDC also emphasized that the Department of Education (DepEd) already prescribes “specific uniforms” for teachers that align with their professional identity.

Basas argued that the new dress code policy would “render these uniforms obsolete and force teachers to shoulder additional financial burdens to comply.”

TDC noted that DepEd has previously prescribed four national uniforms for teachers to be worn from Monday to Thursday, with Friday designated as a wash day.

“We are also coordinating with the DepEd on how to respond to this matter, taking into account the context of our public school teachers,” Basas said.

Appeal for practical modifications

Given these considerations, TDC appealed to the CSC to suspend the policy’s implementation or adopt “practical modifications.”

“Specifically, we request that public school teachers be exempted from the requirement to wear ASEAN- or Filipiniana-inspired attire every Monday,” Basas said.

TDC also expressed its willingness to engage in further discussions with the CSC to address the issue — emphasizing the need to prioritize the welfare of teachers and the quality of education.

Mixed reactions

TDC noted that the implementation of CSC MC No. 16, s. 2024 — which aims to update the dress code for government employees — has drawn “mixed” reactions.

While proponents see it as a move to promote cultural awareness, critics like TDC argued that such policies “must consider the unique circumstances” of various government sectors.

TDC noted that while the CSC stated that the circular could be implemented within a six-month period, many schools and offices have “already compelled” their teachers and staff to wear ASEAN-themed attire starting Jan. 6.