OPINIONIZING PROBLEMS Uniformity in Uniforms

DREICO PONIDO

On the quest for equality and financial ease, have we overlooked the intrinsic value of school uniforms? Is this move towards casual attire in schools a solution or just another problem under disguise?

For the academic year 2022-2023, an intriguing directive has been passed down from the higher echelons of education. Vice President Sara Duterte announced that public schools under the management of the Department of Education (DepEd) will not require uniforms for the enrolled students.

This policy primarily serves as a mitigation strategy against the “inflationary pressures” plaguing our nation currently, according to the Vice President and the DepEd secretary. However, on the flip side of this coin, are some overlooked consequences. The uniform, for many, symbolizes the school spirit, a beacon of unity amongst the sea of students. Now teachers might grapple with recognizing their students in the crowd. Moreover, uniforms bring with them a sense of responsibility and accountability, a silent reminder of expected decorum. Could this policy change unintentionally encourage students to engage in antisocial behavior?

I believe that this action, despite its good intentions, could be a mistake. Now, affordability is under pressure from fashion, and simplicity from complexity. It’s akin to replacing a worn-out tire with a shiny new one that doesn’t quite fit the vehicle. It looks good but fails to serve its purpose efficiently.

Remember the time when we used to get excited about wearing new uniforms? The nostalgia, the sense of belonging it brought, and how it saved us from the daily dilemma of what to wear, thus allowing us to focus on what truly mattered - our education.

To conclude, are we then trading a simple, equitable solution for a complex, class-dividing problem? It seems that in our pursuit of financial ease, we might be creating an unnecessary burden on parents to purchase regular clothes, and on students to keep up with the latest fashion trends.

As an alternative, perhaps the education department could consider revamping the uniform system instead of scrapping it entirely. How about promoting uniforms that challenge stereotypes, stimulate acceptance, and advocate for development? Let’s persuade others to consider this alternative, to save our schools from transforming into runways and keep the focus on what truly matters - learning and growth.

Remember, change is essential, but it should be well-thought-out, addressing all aspects of the situation, not just the glaringly obvious one.