The Department of Education (DepEd) has announced the adoption of three new sets of national uniform designs for classroom and office-based personnel starting with the school year (SY) 2025–2026. This change is outlined in DepEd Memorandum No. 028, s. 2025, which provides detailed guidelines on the transition and implementation of these new uniform sets.
Why the New Uniforms?
The decision to introduce new designs comes after a thorough review by the DepEd Uniform Committee (DUC), which aims to:
✅ Enhance the professional image of DepEd personnel
✅ Ensure comfort and functionality aligned with work conditions
✅ Promote inclusivity and compliance with Civil Service Commission (CSC) regulations
The guidelines ensure that the new designs comply with CSC MC No. 16, s. 2024 (Revised Dress Code for Government Officials and Employees) while also considering climate adaptability and practicality.
Key Highlights of the New DepEd Uniform Policy
1. Transition Period
To allow sufficient time for adjustment, DepEd personnel will go through a one-year transition period during SY 2025–2026. During this time:
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Personnel may continue to wear their old uniforms.
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Starting SY 2026–2027, all DepEd personnel must wear the prescribed new uniform sets.
2. Three New Uniform Designs
DepEd has introduced three sets of designs that will be worn based on a weekly schedule. These designs include:
For Classroom-based Personnel:
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Monday: Designs A for Male and Female (ASEAN- and Filipiniana-inspired)
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Tuesday: Designs B for Male and Female
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Wednesday: Designs C for Male and Female
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Thursday: Designs B for Male and Female
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Friday: Appropriate office clothes
For Office-based Personnel:
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Monday: Designs D for Male and Female (ASEAN- and Filipiniana-inspired)
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Tuesday: Designs B for Male and Female
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Wednesday: Designs F for Male and Female
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Thursday: Designs E for Male and Female
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Friday: Appropriate office clothes
3. Flexibility and Inclusivity
DepEd recognizes the need for inclusivity in the workplace, allowing for certain modifications such as:
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Long sleeves for religious practices
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Pregnancy-appropriate attire
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Exemptions for health or fieldwork-related reasons
All exemptions require written requests through the respective Personnel Unit at least 15 days in advance.
4. Fabric and Procurement Guidelines
Considering the geographical and climatic diversity of the Philippines:
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No specific fabric is prescribed, but materials must comply with Republic Act (RA) No. 9242 or the Philippine Tropical Fabric Law.
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DepEd offices and personnel may source their materials freely, ensuring compliance with design standards.
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Employee unions, associations, and cooperatives may also facilitate the procurement of uniform materials at discounted prices.
5. Reporting and Compliance
To ensure a smooth transition, DepEd encourages:
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Reporting of any issues or coercion regarding the purchase of uniforms from specific suppliers.
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Immediate action by the DepEd CO to investigate any violations.
Additionally, any DepEd personnel failing to comply with the dress code without exemption may be subject to corrective action.
6. Annual Clothing and Uniform Allowance
To support personnel during this transition:
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An annual clothing and uniform allowance of ₱7,000.00 will be released not earlier than the first working day of April each year, subject to budget and auditing regulations.
7. Who is Exempted from the New Uniforms?
DepEd has outlined specific exemptions from wearing the prescribed uniforms, including:
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Fieldwork personnel (medical, laboratory, and technical staff)
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Personnel with religious affiliations requiring specific attire
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Pregnant female personnel
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Employees in mourning or rehabilitation after calamities
8. Importance of Wearing Identification
All DepEd personnel are required to wear their official identification (ID) cards when on duty, whether inside or outside their respective offices, as mandated by the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.
Final Thoughts
The adoption of the new DepEd national uniforms marks a significant step towards promoting professionalism, inclusivity, and consistency within the department. By ensuring that the new guidelines are followed, DepEd aims to maintain a positive and unified image of its workforce while accommodating the diverse needs of its personnel.
📣 Immediate dissemination of this memorandum is requested to ensure smooth implementation across all DepEd offices and schools.