Proposed ordinance allowing religious, cultural attire in schools set for discussion

The City Council committee on education, chaired by Councilor Jing Y. Daba IV, will deliberate on the proposed ordinance, allowing the wearing of religious and cultural garments in academic institutions.

The proposed measure is anchored on Article III, Section 5 of the 1987 Constitution, as well as Department of Education Order No. 32, s. 2013, and other pertinent laws.

Authored by Congressman Maximo T. Rodriguez III, the proposed ordinance covers all public and private schools within the city’s jurisdiction.

It upholds the right of students to wear religious and cultural attire as part of their daily school dress, provided that such garments do not hinder their full participation in academic activities or contravene institutional policies on safety and hygiene.

Under the proposal, religious garments refer to clothing worn in observance of one’s faith, including but not limited to hijabs, turbans, veils, and yarmulkes.

Cultural garments, on the other hand, pertain to traditional attire that reflects an individual’s cultural identity and heritage. (JAO/SP)