The Department of Education (DepEd) insisted that  wearing school uniforms is not mandatory for the upcoming school year to ease financial burdens brought about by the pandemic and inflation. 

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte iterated that school uniforms are not required pre-pandemic under the DepEd Order (DO) No. 065, s. 2010.

“Even before the pandemic, it was not a strict requirement for public schools to wear uniforms to avoid incurring additional costs to the families of our learners. All the more that it will not be required this School Year given the increasing prices and economic losses due to the pandemic,” she said.

“The wearing of a school uniform shall not be required in public schools. Students with existing uniforms may continue using these uniforms, if they so desire, to avoid incurring additional costs for new attire,” the DO said. 

Meanwhile, Classes will push through on August 22, in which public and private schools  may opt to do five-day onsite classes, blended modality, or distance learning, however, mandatory face-to-face classes must start on November 2.