Senator Raffy Tulfo has proposed to give female students an option to wear trousers and pants for their uniform in schools, colleges, and universities.
In Senate Bill No. 1986 or Pants for Her Act filed on March 8, Tulfo explained that it is "imperative that young women are given another alternative to the traditional skirted uniform in order for them to feel comfortable and promote a gender-neutral environment."
"Providing gender-neutral as options is an important aspect of creating a safe and welcoming environment for all students. It allows them to move and express themselves freely and authentically without fear of discrimination or harassment" he underlined.
Apart from this, Tulfo reasoned that wearing pants will protect female students from contracting dengue since classes coincide with the rainy season when dengue cases are most prevalent.
"To save lives and mitigate infection, wearing long sleeves and pants is one of the easy precautions one may take to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes that spread dengue," he said.
In addition, the Senator cited that pants rather than skirts will help young women feel more comfortable and at ease while using public transportation and participating in all their other activities.
The proposed pants option shall be implemented in both public and private schools from elementary to college, Tufo said.
Once SB 1986 is enacted, he said the Department of Education (DepEd) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in coordination with school and university administrators, shall issue the necessary rules and guidelines for the implementation of the act within six months from its effectiveness.
