BOY'S OR GIRL'S UNIFORM? Proposed Baguio ordinance on LGBTQIA+ students being allowed to choose regardless of sex/gender sparks heated debate

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – A proposed ordinance that would allow LGBTQIA+ students in Baguio City to choose from school-approved uniform options regardless of sex or gender has sparked widespread discussion online, with supporters calling it a step toward inclusion while critics questioned whether it could affect long-standing school traditions and existing uniform policies.

Authored by City Councilor Edison R. Bilog, the proposed "Gender-Inclusive School Uniform Ordinance of Baguio City" encourages public and private schools, colleges, universities, and other educational institutions to adopt policies allowing students to choose among approved school uniforms regardless of sex or gender.

Mixed reactions greet proposal

The proposal has generated opposing views on social media.

Supporters believe the measure would help create safer, more inclusive learning environments by reducing discrimination against LGBTQIA+ students and allowing them to express their gender identity while still complying with school regulations.

Critics, however, questioned whether the policy could conflict with established school traditions and existing uniform rules. Others argued that educational institutions should retain the authority to determine their own dress codes.

Current school uniform policy

At present, the Philippines has no national law requiring schools to assign uniforms strictly according to a student's sex or gender. However, educational institutions generally establish their own uniform policies through student handbooks and institutional regulations.

In practice, most schools prescribe separate uniforms for male and female students and generally require learners to wear the uniform corresponding to the sex indicated in their enrollment records, unless the institution grants an exemption or has adopted a gender-inclusive policy.

What the ordinance aims to achieve

Contrary to some claims circulating on social media, the proposed ordinance does not abolish school uniforms or allow students to wear clothing outside school regulations.

Instead, it encourages schools to continue using their approved uniforms while allowing students to choose from those approved options regardless of sex or gender.

The ordinance, copies of which are available on the Baguio City Council website, states:

"Providing students with the freedom to choose among approved uniform options does not diminish academic standards, discipline, institutional identity, or school traditions, but rather reinforces the principles of dignity, inclusion, and respect."

According to the explanatory note, the measure recognizes that schools are not only institutions of learning but are also expected to uphold equality, human dignity, respect, and inclusion.

It also notes that despite growing awareness of gender diversity, some students—particularly members of the LGBTQIA+ community—continue to experience bullying, anxiety, absenteeism, and discrimination because existing uniform policies often require them to dress according to their biological sex rather than their gender identity.

The proposal argues that these experiences can negatively affect students' emotional well-being, classroom participation, and school attendance.

Legal basis of the measure

Bilog cited several national laws and international commitments recognizing every person's right to dignity and freedom from discrimination as the legal basis for the proposed ordinance.

Among these are the 1987 Philippine Constitution, particularly the provisions recognizing human dignity and equal protection, and Republic Act No. 7160, or the Local Government Code of 1991, which empowers local government units to enact measures promoting social justice, human dignity, and the protection of vulnerable and marginalized sectors.

Policies encouraged under the ordinance

If approved, the ordinance encourages schools to:

· Allow students to choose from school-approved uniform options regardless of sex or gender;

· Provide gender-neutral uniform alternatives whenever practicable;

· Apply uniform policies fairly and consistently;

· Respect students' gender identity and gender expression; and

· Ensure uniforms remain safe, appropriate, and suitable for learning.

Schools may continue implementing their existing dress codes provided students are given reasonable flexibility in selecting from approved uniform options.

The measure also encourages schools to consult students, parents, teachers, school administrators, guidance counselors, alumni, and other stakeholders before adopting or revising their uniform policies.

Protection against discrimination

One of the ordinance's key provisions prohibits discrimination against students based on their choice of approved uniform.

Under the proposal, no student may be denied enrollment, participation in school activities, recognition, educational opportunities, or access to school services because of their uniform choice.

The ordinance likewise prohibits bullying, harassment, intimidation, humiliation, retaliation, or disciplinary action solely because a student chooses an approved uniform option.

According to the proposal, these safeguards are intended to ensure that students are evaluated based on their conduct and academic performance—not on how they express their gender within the school's approved uniform policy.

Violations and penalties

Educational institutions found violating the ordinance may face administrative sanctions.

The proposed penalties include a written warning and directive to comply for the first offense, a P5,000 fine for the second offense, and a P10,000 fine for the third and succeeding offenses, without prejudice to possible administrative action by the Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

School officials or personnel who commit bullying, harassment, or other prohibited acts may likewise face administrative, civil, or criminal liability under existing laws.

Still subject to deliberation

The proposed ordinance has yet to undergo deliberation before the Baguio City Council, where lawmakers are expected to hear the views of educators, parents, students, and other stakeholders before deciding whether the measure should be enacted.

Should the proposal advance, schools will be encouraged to conduct consultations and information campaigns to help stakeholders better understand its objectives and implementation.

While the proposal continues to draw opposing opinions, its fate now rests with the Baguio City Council, which will determine whether the measure can strike a balance between maintaining school discipline and promoting equal treatment and inclusion for every student.

Copies of the proposed ordinance are available on the official website of the Baguio City Council: https://citycouncil.baguio.gov.ph/proposed-ordinances/AOzK93bk?fbclid=IwY2xjawS0RvJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFGc2c3ZlVlVzBCQjhnVUhYc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHg-G4fFlPT1p1kZW2dUqmIMhLuwzNr-svRDg60SAu_sNtRLOgyGnAWU7MeLT_aem_ZRUr66WK9iTL3ZYGyzrKjA