OBLIQUE OBSERVATIONS

By Atty. Gilberto Lauengco, J.D.

ATTY. GILBERTO LAUENGCO, J.D. is a lawyer, educator, political strategist, government consultant, Lego enthusiast, and the director of CAER Think Tank. He is a Former Vice Chairman of MECO, Special Assistant of NFA and City Administrator among others. His broad experience has molded his unique approach to issues analysis which he calls the oblique observation.

Last week, the video of a school head ordering her students to remove their togas during their graduation ceremony became viral and immediately put her in the hot seat. As can be seen from the aforesaid video, the school head abruptly stopped the ceremony and directed all the students present to remove their togas, claiming that it violated a Department of Education (DepEd) order. The school head then threatened to call the police and challenged everyone to try and disobey her. The video then showed the adverse reactions of the students with some of them crying and one of them even cursing the said school head. A teacher was shown trying to argue in favor of the students but was escorted off the stage.

This incident sparked some online debate with a clear majority of the netizens condemning the actions and even the attitude of the said school head and a small number siding with the school head citing the need to respect authority in all instances. A teacher’s association criticized the allegedly heavy-handed actions of the school head and her seemingly authoritarian way of handling the toga issue.

Maintaining discipline and order in schools is, of course, an admirable goal for school administrators. There is also nothing wrong in being strict but this must be balanced with fairness, logic and a dose of empathy. The DepEd itself clarified that togas are not disallowed and can be optional. The admonition only that simplicity and the financial situation of students must be considered. As such, the school head was incorrect in stating that togas are not allowed by a DepEd memorandum. Insofar as simplicity and frugality is concerned, it must be noted that gowns and formal wear are now more expensive and sometimes more extravagant. Renting togas can actually be cheaper. Also, one can wear an older dress and just simply put the toga over the said preloved outfit.

There is a Japanese concept applied in some school administration which seems to improve the educational atmosphere without compromising discipline. “Nemawashi” is a Japanese management concept which promote consensus building through discussions with stakeholders before making decisions. It must be noted that in the said “toga” incident, the parent teacher association allegedly agreed to have the students wear togas during the graduation ceremony and many students wanted to experience wearing togas during their graduation. Would it have hurt the school head to listen to the consensus or at the very least discuss the matter with the stakeholders? A lot of people are puzzled, disappointed or even angry at the uncompromising stand of the said school head.

My own oblique view on the matter is that if you are going to make a stand based on a memorandum then at the very least read and understand the memo!