With the Philippines fast becoming the rising star of Asia and the rest of the world, it is our mandate to build an inclusive and prosperous country for all Filipinos.

We have made strides to build an improved society through policies that uplift and empower the marginalized sectors. However, we often overlook the seemingly trivial but unjust hurdles many Filipinos face on a daily basis, such as their inability to adhere to unnecessary government regulations.

Tragically, not every Filipino can afford to buy shoes and more formal clothing. But every Filipino should be permitted to participate in assemblies that affect them and their community, particularly legislative hearings and sessions. All Filipinos must be granted access to frontline services, especially from public offices.

Unfortunately, needless dress code policies serve as barriers to many of our marginalized Filipinos as they seek to become more participative and rightfully demand services.

How can they raise their voice when they’re standing in the heat and behind cold walls? These are the countrymen we are called to serve.

Thus, it is high time to open our government offices and be more considerate of our policies for all Filipinos, regardiess of our economic status.

The Philippine Government Agency Open Door Act aims to mandate all government offices to accept entry to all Filipinos and to eliminate the dress code that some government agencies and units are following.

We are called to open the doors to those that have the least in our society, those we have the most to learn from, and those that we desperately need to hear.

We have the opportunity and a duty to generate policies that contribute to a nation that is fair, just and inclusive. We have a responsibility to create a Philippines where all Filipinos, even minorities and marginalized sectors can live free from discrimination.