ALTERNATIVE UNIFORM. The Department of Education (DepEd) has reiterated that teachers and other non-teaching personnel may use other existing DepEd collared shirts as alternative uniforms, in this updated infographic. The DepEd also said that no color is prescribed for the alternative uniforms. (Photo courtesy of DepEd PH)
MANILA – Collared shirts bearing logos of the Department of Education (DepEd) being sold on various online platforms are not authorized, an official of the agency said.
"Sa social media naglipana talaga ang enterprising individuals/groups na gusto naman kumita (‘Enterprising’ individuals and groups who want to earn abound on social media). But DepEd did not authorize anyone or any group to sell," Education deputy spokesperson, Assistant Secretary Francis Bringas, told reporters in a Viber message late Wednesday.
Bringas said sellers could have easily accessed the department’s logo after it gave the go-signal on alternative uniforms for all teachers and non-teaching personnel amid the scorching heat across the country.
"Remember that the DepEd seal and MATATAG seal (like all other seals and logos) are readily accessible on the Internet. Again, we are allowing the use of any collared Deped shirts that they already have," he said.
Bringas said there is no reason to buy online, considering that the allowed alternative uniforms are not limited to national activities.
"May mga (There are) DepEd events in schools, districts, divisions, and regions where shirts were distributed. Those are allowed so long as (they are) collared as per guidelines," he said.
The DepEd earlier clarified that no color is prescribed for the alternative uniforms so long as they were used in previous DepEd activities.
White-collared shirts with DepEd and MATATAG logos were also added as a supplementary option.
Teachers and other staff can pair their tops with slacks, jeans, cargo pants, or any other matte black pants, as stated under Memorandum DM-OUHROD-2024-0662.
Leggings, tights, and jogging pants, however, are prohibited under the Civil Service Commission's revised dress code prescribed for all government officials and employees in the workplace. (PNA)
