No need to buy alternate uniform
The Department of Education (DepEd) has announced that teachers and non-teaching staff do not need to purchase collared shirts as alternate uniforms for the summer season. According to Michael Poa, the spokesperson and undersecretary of DepEd, a memorandum released on April 11 permits the use of any collared shirt previously worn during the agency’s activities.
Poa emphasized that these shirts, regardless of color or previous use, are acceptable. He made this clarification in response to inquiries about DepEd-branded collared shirts being sold online. These shirts, available in various colors such as blue, yellow, pink, and fuchsia, caused concerns regarding their mandatory use.
The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) raised objections, noting that the prescribed shirts resembled campaign attire, which may not be appropriate for educators. Assistant Secretary Francis Cesar Bringas clarified that the permitted collared shirts were not exclusively related to DepEd’s national programs but also included those distributed during various agency events at schools, districts, divisions, and regions.
ACT voiced discontent with the alternate uniform policy, labeling it as a short-term solution. Instead, they urged the government to focus on long-term strategies, such as constructing adequately ventilated classrooms. Additionally, ACT proposed reverting to the old academic calendar, with classes held from June to March and vacations in April and May, the hottest months of the year.
ACT Chair Vladimer Quetua stressed the importance of prioritizing long-term solutions over temporary fixes. Despite their advocacy, the government has yet to implement changes, opting to maintain the alternate uniform policy for the time being.
