A proposed ordinance seeks to encourage all public and private schools, colleges, universities, and other learning institutions in Baguio City to adopt gender-inclusive and gender-neutral school uniform policies that provide students with greater flexibility in choosing approved uniform options.
The proposed measure aims to promote educational environments that uphold human dignity, equality, inclusivity, diversity, and non-discrimination. It recognizes the right of every learner to express their identity in a manner consistent with their dignity and individuality while remaining compliant with reasonable school rules and standards.
Under the ordinance, educational institutions are encouraged to adopt gender-inclusive uniform policies that allow students to choose from among school-approved uniform options regardless of sex or gender. Schools may also provide gender-neutral uniform alternatives where practicable and are encouraged to ensure that uniform requirements are applied fairly and consistently to all students.
The measure further provides that schools may retain their existing uniforms and dress codes, provided that students are afforded reasonable flexibility in selecting from approved uniform options. Uniform designs and policies are likewise encouraged to promote comfort, safety, accessibility, and inclusivity while respecting a student’s gender identity and gender expression.
The ordinance prohibits discrimination based on a student’s choice of an approved uniform option. No learner may be denied enrollment, participation in school activities, recognition, privileges, educational opportunities, or access to school services solely because of their choice of uniform. Likewise, students shall not be subjected to disciplinary action, bullying, harassment, ridicule, humiliation, or any other form of discriminatory treatment on this basis.
Before adopting or revising uniform policies, educational institutions are encouraged to conduct consultations with students, parents, faculty members, school administrators, guidance counselors, alumni associations, and other stakeholders to ensure that policies reflect the needs and concerns of the school community.
The ordinance also directs the City Government, through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), the City Human Rights Action Office (CHRMO), the City Gender and Development Focal Point System, and other concerned offices, to undertake information and advocacy campaigns promoting equality, diversity, inclusivity, and gender sensitivity. These campaigns aim to raise awareness of the objectives of the ordinance and encourage broader acceptance of inclusive educational practices.
The city government may establish an annual recognition program for schools, colleges, and universities that demonstrate exemplary commitment to inclusive educational policies and student welfare.
Implementation of the ordinance shall be coordinated by the CSWDO, the CHRMO, and the City Gender and Development Focal Point System in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and concerned educational institutions.
The measure also provides penalties for educational institutions that willfully refuse to comply with the ordinance or impose discriminatory sanctions against students based on their choice of approved uniform options. Violations may result in a written warning and directive to comply for a first offense, a fine of P3,000.00 for a second offense, and a fine of P5,000.00 for third and subsequent offenses, in addition to recommendations for appropriate action by regulatory agencies such as the DepEd, CHED, or TESDA.
School officials, administrators, faculty members, employees, or other individuals acting on behalf of educational institutions who commit acts of discrimination, harassment, bullying, intimidation, or retaliation against students exercising rights recognized under the ordinance may likewise be subject to administrative, civil, or criminal proceedings under existing laws.
The proposed ordinance was approved on first reading by the Baguio City Council on June 22, 2026 and was subsequently referred to the Committee on Education for review. – Baguio City – Sangguniang Panlungsod
