TACLOBAN CITY-The Civil Service Commission in Region 8 (CSC-8) reiterated its recognition of diversity in the public sector and affirms the right of all employees to a safe and inclusive working environment including dress code policies that align with human rights standards and does not infringe upon an individual’s gender identity or expression.
Cross-dressing recently sparked conversations as one state-run university allowed cross dressing for its students, pointing that the concern is not just internal, but how the public will perceive them.
Lawyer Marilyn Taldo, CSC-8 regional director, said the commission has updated its dress code policy to be more inclusive of diverse gender identities and expressions
“The Civil Service Commission advocates inclusivity. The commission has already a guideline on dress code. It allows our civil servants to adopt whatever is comfortable for them provided the dress code is still in a professional manner,” Taldo said.
Across the region, more government employees—especially younger ones—are choosing to express their identities more openly, whether through clothing, pronouns, or workplace advocacy. Many hope that the new CSC guidelines will not only provide protection but also promote understanding.
The updated policy, outlined in Memorandum Circular No. 16, s. 2024, aims to address gender discrimination and improve employee morale and engagement. The policy includes allowing government employees to wear office attire that aligns with their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.
The CSC guidelines however retains restrictions on certain attires when the official or employees are performing official functions within their workplaces and during virtual meetings: collarless T-shirts; blouses with over-plunging necklines; backless top/plunged back top; sleeveless shirts; see-through clothing, gauzy, transparent, or net-like clothing; sando, tank tops, tube tops, halters and strapless or spaghetti-strap blouse (unless worn as an undershirt); leggings, above-the-knee skirt, walking shorts, cycling shorts, and jogging pants (unless worn during official events involving physical exercise); ripped jeans; short pants; sandals, slippers, and slip-ins exposing the toes; heavy or theatrical make-up, except for those engaged in the performing arts; and other inappropriate clothes or accessories.
On the other hand, grooming policies on hairstyle/haircut or hair color may be prescribed when it is a legitimate requirement for the job with regards to safety, professionalism, uniformity or branding, and client preferences.
The growing of beard and mustache as well as wearing of tattoo and facial or body piercings shall be governed by internal rules and regulations of the respective agencies and offices in consultation with all its officials and employees.
“We are all for inclusivity. What is important is for our public servants to exemplify competence, ethics, and dedication to public service,” Taldo added. (ACR/PIA Leyte)
