DepEd relaxes rules on uniform, enrollment amid crisis
By Niña Jonalyn B. Gambe-Diamante
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — As the countdown to the new school year begins, the Department of Education (DepEd) is moving to ease the financial burden on families by reminding the public that school uniforms are not a prerequisite for enrollment or attendance in public schools.
Dr. Kevin Hope Z. Salvaña, chief of the Curriculum Implementation Division of DepEd Butuan City, in an episode of Kapihan sa PIA, underscored the agency’s commitment to accessibility, particularly as many families navigate the current economic crisis.
“The DepEd is always learner-centered. We make sure that no learner shall be left behind. We do not require uniforms in our public schools. So, they can still go to school without a uniform. Wearing decent clothes is already enough,” said Salvaña.
Beyond the uniform policy, DepEd officials emphasized a compassionate approach to the enrollment process. Salvaña assured parents and guardians that a lack of immediate documentation will not bar a child from the classroom, explaining that the department is ready to give consideration to families to comply with requirements while ensuring children continue to receive instruction.
“To our parents and guardians, do not worry if you still have lacking enrollment requirements. Because we, at DepEd, are always ready to help you. We will give you ample time to comply with the needed documents while we teach your children at school,” Salvaña added.
Demonstrating the government’s commitment to inclusive education, the DepEd continues to bridge the gap between public and private schooling through the Senior High School (SHS) Voucher Program.
This subsidy is designed for incoming SHS students who wish to pursue their education in private institutions, non-DepEd public schools, or technical-vocational colleges. By providing financial assistance to those outside the public school system, the government ensures that its service extends to all Filipino youth, empowering students with the freedom of choice while significantly lightening the tuition burden on private school parents.
“For those incoming grade 10 students who wish to apply, you may visit the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC) office. In Butuan City, it is located at the Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU). Or you may also opt to apply online through its official website: ovap.peac.org.ph,” shared Salvaña.
The DepEd’s current stance reflects a broader organizational culture that prioritizes the learner’s well-being over rigid formalities. In this time of crisis, the focus remains squarely on the classroom and the child. By removing the barriers of uniform costs and strict document deadlines, DepEd reaffirms that the heart of education is not the attire or the paperwork, but the unwavering right of every student to learn in a supportive and inclusive environment.
This commitment is further solidified by the government’s persistent efforts to provide targeted assistance to students from low-income families, ensuring that financial limitations never stand in the way of a Filipino learner’s dreams and future success. (NJGD, PIA Caraga)
