EDITORIAL School Uniforms: As Form of Uniformity, Inclusivity and Safety

By Nikkie C. Malanom

The school environment becomes a place where students can focus on learning, friendship, and creativity instead of being judged for their clothes. Without wearing a uniform, students could feel the need to purchase the latest trends, putting unnecessary pressure on their families. This could lead to financial instability, further adding to the burden of parents and families.

Most families must bear the cost of transportation, allowances, and other materials required for learning, in addition to the expenses related to maintaining a household. The savings from not buying a uniform can hardly make a significant difference.

The perils of the DepEd Order No. 065 mandate go beyond just thefinancial burden placed on families. One of the disastrous consequences that could result from students not wearing a uniform is an increased risk of school shootings. To understand this point, take a look at the situation in the United States.

Therefore, it is crucial for the education authorities to recognize that undermining school uniforms and placing it as something to disregard as a way to reduce expenses is not an option. Instead of addressing the real problem of the rising cost of education, it would be far better to focus on policies and solutions that reduce the expenses incurred by families. One such solution is to develop a school uniform recycling program. Instead of purchasing new clothes every school year, students can be encouraged to donate or sell their gently used uniforms to younger students who need them. This would not only help families save money, but it would also promotesustainability and reduce waste.

Another solution is for schools to work with local businesses to offer affordable school uniforms. This partnership would allow families to purchase good quality uniforms at a lower cost, while at the same time providing local businesses with a market for their products. This would also benefit the local economy and create job opportunities for the community.

The DepEd Order No. 065 issued in 2010 has been widely lauded for its intention to reduce the financial burden on families of students from primary to secondary level. The mandate stated that wearing uniforms during the pre-pandemic period is not mandatory, thus providing a major relief to parents who were struggling to make ends meet. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that this mandate, on the face of it, may not be as beneficial as it is made out to be.

Parents have been led to believe that waiving the obligation to wear uniforms would save them money. In reality, it is a clever ploy that absolves the government and schools of their responsibilities while placing the burden of additional expenses on the parents. Students might not be required to wear uniforms, but they still need clothes to attend school They are required to wear white shirts, jeans and closed shoes. This means instead of buying uniforms, parents are now forced to purchase an entire wardrobe of clothes that students can wear to school throughout the academic year.

This shift could result in students not having the uniformity that a school uniform provides. A school uniform helps to promote a sense of unity among students as they are dressed in the same way, regardless of their backgrounds.

Letter to the editor

In recent years, the United States has seen a sharp increase in school shootings. These tragic events have resulted in the loss of lives and have caused emotional trauma and lasting effects on students, teachers and families. In response, many states have made school uniforms mandatory in public schools.

The idea is that school uniforms help to promote a sense of unity and identity within the school community. It makes it easier for school officials and authorities to identify who belongs on school premises and who does not. Without a uniform, it would be much more challenging to distinguish between a student and an outsider, increasing the risk of unauthorized individuals entering school premises.

While this idea may seem absurd, it is reasonable to acknowledge that in the Philippines, gun ownership is more common and often easier than in other countries. In fact, the Philippines has seen a handful of school shootings in the past, further underscoring the importance of ensuring the safety of school-going children. One of the recent incidents was on February 14, 2023, in the Pikit National High School in North Cotabato, where one student was left dead and two wounded.

Should Uniforms be Mandatory in Public Schools?

By Jackielyn Garcia

Even before the pandemic, wearing school uniforms in public schools was not strict. In fact, based on DepEd Order No. 065, s. In 2010, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte announced that wearing school uniforms was not prohibited. Through this order, students can wear white shirts, jeans, and closed shoes. For me, it's not the best idea.

In addition, the government could provide financial assistance to families who cannot afford to buy school uniforms or clothes. By offering subsidies to low-income families, students can attend school without the added financial burden of purchasing clothes. This would enable underprivileged children to enjoy the same quality of education that their peers receive without facing financial hardships.

The DepEd Order No. 065 is not just a minor issue; it is a matter of concern for the safety and well-being of students and their families. It is time for the education authorities to take note of this situation and develop a more reasonable approach that upholds the schools' and the government's responsibilities towards students. Although these recommendations may not solve all the challenges in the education sector, they are a simple yet effective strategy that can significantly contribute to creating a safer learning environment.

A means which we can ensure the safety of our students and fulfill our responsibility towards them as a society.

It's true that not wearing school uniforms is less expensive and can save money. Without wearing uniforms, students can wear what they want, which results in financial stability for their families. Nowadays, students can wear trendy clothes and shoes to school. But the thing is, school is not for a fashion show. It's about learning and improving knowledge.

Many students pay too much attention to fashion and not enough to their education. Educating the mind with comfortable clothes helps students learn more. School uniforms also help to show equality and prevent bullying by removing the stigma of who is rich or poor. Uniforms would help students focus on the true reason forbeing in school: to get an education. We should encourage the students not to believe in what we are wearing.

In addition, not wearing school uniforms can pose a threat to students' lives. Some cases of school shootings have been recorded in recent years, according to CNN news. The school shooting happened in theUnited States, where they're not easily identified the outsiders because of their weak policy. Mandating the wearing of school uniforms decreases the threat to students' lives.

Like the editor says, instead of addressing the real problem of the rising cost of education, it would be far better to focus on policies and solutions that reduce the expenses incurred by families. As a student, wearing the same uniform is better than wearing a different one. It mitigates the possibility of unequal treatment for the students. Through the mandatory wearing of school uniforms, school problems will be solved.