DepEd Announces New National Uniform Guidelines for 2025-2026

Set to start in the 2025-2026 academic year, the Department of Education (DepEd) is releasing new national uniform designs for office-based and classroom staff. Following recommendations with an eye toward numerous important elements, the DepEd Uniform Committee (DUC) issued this notice.

These elements comprise adherence to the dress code of the Civil Service Commission, comfort, adaptability to different working environments, and general design attractiveness. The new rules also stress broad material availability, gender inclusiveness, and economy of cost.

The 2025–2026 school year will act as a transition period allowing DepEd staff members time to be ready. They can still be sporting their previous uniforms at this period. Starting the 2026–2027 academic year, nevertheless, the new uniforms will be required. Regional and schools division office uniforms will not be accepted in order to preserve consistency.

The rules also cover fabric issues, allowing for variances depending on climate circumstances as long as the pattern and color follow the Philippine Tropical Fabric Law. Employee unions are urged to provide the uniform items to its members; personnel can buy them from any source that satisfies the criteria.

While changes to the uniform design are permitted for inclusivity—such as changing sleeve lengths for religious reasons—the general design and color must remain consistent. DepEd has not approved any exclusive uniform suppliers; any supplier claiming to be one should be notified. Employees also have protection against being under pressure to purchase uniforms from a particular provider.

Workers who disobey the dress code have to make a formal request for an exception, and should their request be granted, they can dress in smart casual clothing. With particular designs allotted to different days of the week, the schedule for wearing the new uniforms differs for classroom-based and office-based staff.

Personnel of DepEd must always wear their ID cards while on duty. Those with unique employment requirements, religious beliefs, health issues, pregnancy, grief, emergency, and other like circumstances are exempt from wearing the recommended uniforms.

Subject to accounting and auditing policies, eligible employees will get an annual clothing and uniform allowance.

Included in the release are comprehensive designs and color guidelines for the new uniforms. Check also the DepEd Memorandum 028, s. 2025.