TWO RECENT incidents in separate year-end exercises have sparked widespread debate on a question that should have been a no-brainer at the get-go – what should graduating students and parents wear during the graduation ceremonies?
In Laua-an, Antique, a school principal was captured on video berating the senior high school students of Col. Ruperto Abellon National High School for supposedly violating a policy of the Department of Education. The students’ offense? They were wearing togas on top of their school uniforms.
She ordered the students to take off their togas, instructed the class advisers to list down the names of those who violated the graduation dress code, and even announced in a threatening manner that the students will have to claim their diplomas personally from her.
On the other hand, Bernadeth Flores Cutas had the entire social media world in mixed reaction with her video walking with her child’s during graduation while all glammed up in a white gown which many considered to be revealing and inappropriate.
In the case of the Laua-an school principal, the DepEd earlier clarified that while the school uniform is the prescribed attire for end-of-school-year rites, wearing of toga is not prohibited. In a Palace briefing on April 25, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro has announced that DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara immediately acted on the issue and the teacher was removed as principal of the school.
As for the fashionista mom from Cebu, she immediately posted an apology in her social media account telling everyone it was never her intention to go viral or offend anyone during the school activity.
“Wala jud ko mag dahom mag viral ne. Salamat sa mga nag support og sa mga bashers. Salamat sad nenyo. Wala jud ko masuko nenyo, love2x mo nako tanan, en ana rako ka maayo og ka simple,” said Cutas in a Facebook post.
Many came to her defense, with some notable personalities volunteering to sponsor her gowns in her next events, while one offered an endorsement deal for his beauty products.
These two contrasting incidents did not only undermine the significance of the event but also highlighted two things: a breakdown in communication and leadership within educational institutions, and the double standards we set on parents who just want to be present and to be in their best during their child’s milestone events.
The principal’s approach to the situation, characterized by punitive measures rather than dialogue, reflects a lack of empathy and an authoritarian mind-set that disregards the emotional and cultural importance of the event to students and their families. Shaming the graduating class was her definition of discipline. Her actions serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of overstepping authority without understanding the broader implications. Leadership in education should be about guidance and support, not power tripping.
Quite ironically but not surprisingly, it was the netizens, the kibitzers and the pundits who made a fuzz over the Cutas’s fashion ensemble – not her child, the school administrators or anyone from the school community.
Don’t you just find it odd and frustrating that we are required by default to be more considerate, understanding and respectful if parents cannot dress “properly” for their children’s graduation exercises? If we can be that magnanimous type of person who does not make an issue out of a parent wearing a round collar shirt, maong pants and slippers, why can’t we be the same person and be more appreciative of parents who want to look their best as they accompany their children in receiving their diplomas and awards?
At the end of the day, it all boils down to proactive communication and clear guidelines. Schools must engage with students and parents beforehand to establish expectations and address any concerns. By fostering open communication and mutual respect, schools can ensure that significant events like graduations are celebrated appropriately, honoring the achievements of students and the support of their families.
