On July 18, 2022, Education Secretary Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio

declared that students are not required to wear uniforms during the resumption of in-
person classes when the implementation of face-to-face classes began in August 2022.
In addition to saving and incurring additional costs for the families of our students, it was
stated that even before the pandemic, wearing a uniform was not strictly required for
students in public schools (DepEd Order No. 065, s. 2010). The fact that it won't be
necessary this academic year is all the more remarkable given the rising costs and
financial losses brought on by the pandemic.

Public schools now have more uniforms than ever before, although uniforms
have long been a standard feature of private schools. School uniforms are sometimes
perceived as an oppressive measure that limits students' freedom. Brunsma cited that
some critics suggest that school uniforms may lower students’ creativity and affect their
ability to properly express themselves. School uniform policies are designed to foster
student outcomes.

According to Bruchey, these rising implementations of school uniform policies

may not entirely be supported by empirical studies indicating that uniforms enhance
student performance. The viewpoint for wearing uniforms in school is that it helps foster
the required supportive learning environment. An effective educational environment
requires the development of order, discipline, and a positive school environment. School
uniforms aim to promote equality among student populations through dress codes,
which may be a way to address and maybe lessen the occurrence of bullying related to
clothing.

Moreover, in the Philippines, school uniforms are not required while identification
cards (IDs) are free of charge to all students enrolled in public schools nationwide. The
Department of Education (DepEd) Order 65, s.2010 makes it clear that wearing a
school uniform is not mandatory in public schools. If a student already has a uniform,
they are free to use it as long as they want to save money on buying new clothes. The
DepEd reiterated its "no uniform" policy and established "appropriate school wear,"
which is considered as clothing that promotes respect for the school as a place of
learning. A student's right to learn is of the greatest priority and should always be
maintained, according to former DepEd Secretary Jesli Lapus. However, he pointed out
that, in accordance with these rules, clothing should not be a basis for discrimination,
especially against needy families.

Therefore,