THE Department of Education’s (DepEd) announcement that wearing of school uniform is no longer mandatory when classes resume in August received mixed reactions from Cebuanos.Some residents found it an advantage for parents as they can save money, while other viewed it as not good.Classes will resume on August 22 and DepEd said earlier that by November this year, all schools will be required to hold full face-to-face classes.Zenaida Alimento, a 40-year-old buko vendor from Barangay Centro, Mandaue City, said making school uniforms not mandatory would help her lessen the school expenses for her children.Alimento has five children who are all in elementary level.She said she used to spend at least P400 for at least three sets of school uniforms, including the sewer fee.It is the same thing for Clariza Manzano, 58, a dried fish vendor from Pusok, Lapu-Lapu City who said that with DepEd’s decision, parents who were planning to spend for school uniforms can use the money now for other important things.Manzano has a 14-year-old child who will be in grade nine this coming school year.While others found it good news, some believe it is a bad idea.Gloria Ceniza, 49, from Barangay Mantuyong, Mandaue City, feared that without the uniform, students might not attend classes but go to computers shops and other places instead.Ceniza has an upcoming grade nine student.Estrellita Delfin, 51, a housewife and resident of Barangay Looc, Mandaue City, said school uniforms would make students look more tidy and formal.Delfin has an upcoming grade three student.For her part, Della Singco, a 45-year-old vendor from Barangay Luz, also in Mandaue, said she would abide by what the government entails to do, believing whatever decision the DepEd will make is beneficial for all.On Monday, July 18, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte said that wearing a uniform will no longer be required during the resumption of face-to-face classes this August.Duterte cited the increasing prices and economic losses the country has experienced due to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, stressing school uniforms as additional costs to students’ families. (HIC)