Paralled Principles

By Paul Anthony M. Eso

(Vol. XXVIX No. 11, Editorial Cartoon)

Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) – Student Affairs Office (SAO) has been successful in their attempt of producing student identification cards (IDs) that is designed to last longer.

They have come up with something to replace the mere sticker at the back of the ID into one that is made of vinyl. They have at least asked for P50 for the vinyl-made validation sticker though not all students have this yet since they have not been fully distributed.

However, most of the guards do not seem to be aware of the delay in the distribution of the new IDs. It has been reported time and again that they bar students from entering the campus, or at least give those with old or temporary IDs a difficult time before they can enter the campus.

There is certainly a paralled principle between these two divisions.

First, to the SAO. From its name alone, we can already define that it is a safe haven for the students. They should, in the first place, coordinate with the Office of the Security Matters (OSM) on the delayed distribution of the new IDs.

Since they are supposed to cater the concerns of students, they should have considered even without the slightest provocation that there is a possibility for the students to be stopped at the gate if they use their temporary or old IDs. If the SAO cannot produce new student IDs yet, at least they should have informed the OSM for the latter to be guided properly.

Second is to the OSM. They are, after all, for the students’ security. But why do they have to bar the students from entering the campus, which will eventually make them miss their classes?

In the very first place, students are required to pay additional P50 for the validation stickers. So, who would not want to get and use what they have paid for? And who among them would not want to wear their IDs to school since they know this will surely bar them from entering the campus? Who in their right minds would like to argue with our guards?

Therefore, student appeals are valid. If they enter the school with temporary or old IDs, most likely it is because their IDs are not yet available.

The best remedy for this paralled policy is to have proper coordination between SAO and OSM. They should work hand in hand for their own established principles. They should meet and deliver a commendable performance and not merely do their job. They should be connected all the time.

With this, students would surely be protected and served by all means, and they would not have a hard time.