MEMBERS OF LGBTQIA STUDENTS AND TEACHERS CAN NOW FREELY EXPRESS THEMSELVES UNDER DEPED 'GENDER RESPONSIVE BASIC EDUCATION POLICY'

 The Department of Education (DepEd) will strictly implement policy allowing members of the LGBTQIA students and teachers to freely express themselves.

The DepEd order No. 32 in titled 'Gender-Responsive Basic Education Policy will ensure access to equality basic education for all'. 

It will 'allow the Department to integrate the principles of gender equality, gender equity, gender sensitivity, non-discrimination, and human rights in the provision and governance of basic education," the order reads.

Photo credits: RR Valencia Salon for Men and Women /FB

This will include regulation allowing transgender students to wear uniforms that align with their gender identity.

The moved was lauded by LGBTQIA + advocate Mela Franco Habijan who shared DepEd's memo reminding regional directors and school heads to strictly implement E.O. 32 series of 2017, or the Gender Responsive Basic Education Policy in line with the gradual return of students in school. 

"WE FINALLY WON THE BATTLE! DepEd Philippines HEARD US! 

THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION WILL STRICTLY IMPLEMENT ITS GENDER RESPONSIVE BASIC EDUCATION POLICY (DEPED ORDER 32, s 2017), IN ALL DEPED ELEMENTARY AND HIGH SCHOOLS ACROSS ALL REGIONS!" she said.

"​​LGBTQIA+ kids, starting today, we will be free to be us in school!  

"From this day on, all trans and non-binary students and teachers can express in the gender that they identify as! No LGBTQIA+ students will be discriminated due to their identities, orientation, and expression," Habijan added in her post.

The University of Iloilo has earlier earned praised from social media for allowing their transgender students to wear uniforms that align with her gender identity.

In a viral photo of a student named Diana Montecarlo Lopez gave a shout-out for her school and thanked for accepting and letting her wear female uniform. 

"Thank you UI for accepting and letting me wear female uniform. I always feel the love and support in this school ❤"  wrote Diana along with her photo donned with her school uniform for girls