"UNSA MANI DONG, MARITIME KA, DILI?"

 EDITORIAL


Cartoon by Matthew Barcenas

Like a flock of birds swooping toward a hill of grains, METC cadets crowd around the university’s main gate every morning—shoulder-to-shoulder, haircuts all over the place. It’s a sight that immediately raises a question: what happened to the days of adhering to proper grooming standards?


Proper appearance and attire might not seem like a big deal, but in a university, especially a maritime school, it’s crucial. Uniforms, haircuts, and even rules against earrings or tattoos aren’t just about control—they’re about creating an environment that fosters discipline. When everyone follows the same rules, it stops the endless comparisons and allows students to focus on the stuff that actually matters—self-improvement, growth, and preparing for the real world (Ståhlberg, J., et al., 2019).


At the University of Cebu-METC, cadets know the drill. The haircut rules aren’t suggestions—they’re requirements, with regular inspections to keep everyone in check. Sure, it might feel nitpicky at times, but this is part of preparing for life at sea, where attention to detail and discipline can be a matter of survival. Kringen and Novich (2018) hit the nail on the head in their study, "Is it 'just hair' or is it 'everything'?," arguing that haircut policies are about more than appearances—they’re about enforcing the kind of uniformity that’s expected in professional settings, including policing and maritime.


Let’s be real—it’s not about making life harder for students. These rules are there to teach. The university isn’t just concerned about what happens inside the classroom; it’s molding cadets to be professionals. The expectation is clear: you enter METC as a student, but you leave as a disciplined seafarer. And part of that journey is respecting the rules—even if it’s just about your hair.


Complaining that these rules are too strict misses the point. This isn’t about being extreme; it’s about accountability. Actions have consequences. If students can’t follow a simple rule now, what will happen on a ship, where ignoring even a basic rule could lead to serious or fatal repercussions? We only have so many chances before the consequences start catching up. So why not seize the opportunity to learn, grow, and understand that the little things—like getting that haircut—are part of building the person we’ll become when we finally walk out of those gates and into the professional world?


References:

Kringen, A. L., & Novich, M. (2018). Is it 'just hair' or is it 'everything'? Embodiment and gender repression in policing. Gender, Work & Organization, 25(4), 365-379. https://doi.org/10.1111/gwao.12207


Ståhlberg, J., Tuominen, H., & Pulkka, A. T. (2019). Maintaining the self? Exploring the connections between students' perfectionistic profiles, self-worth contingency, and achievement goal orientations. Personality and Individual Differences, 142, 21-27. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0191886919304271

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Kabataan Pa Ba ang Pag-asa ng Bayan?

Image
EDITORIAL Cartoon by Garner Sereñina You’ve probably heard it before: “Iba na talaga ang kabataan ngayon.” It’s a familiar refrain from older generations, often accompanied by a tsk or a resigned sigh. But is this just another way of dismissing the new generation, or is there something more troubling beneath the surface? Recent events have brought this issue into sharp focus. During a recent Filipino reality show episode, a participant flubbed a basic fact about Dr. José Rizal, calling him “Joe Joe” and “J Rizz.” This blunder, while seemingly trivial, has sparked a torrent of online criticism and highlights a troubling trend about our education system. The reality is stark and alarming: despite efforts to get more children into school, the Philippines is experiencing a severe learning crisis. According to a report by Inquirer.net, over 90 percent of Filipino students cannot read and understand age-appropriate text by age 10. This isn’t just a minor hiccup; it’s a full-blown crisis that...
Read more

Anchor Publication's Inaugural Summit Marks Relaunch with 'LAOM' Magazine Debut and Achievements Celebration

Image
The Anchor Publication, the official student publication of the University of Cebu – Maritime Education and Training Center, held its inaugural Anchor Summit to celebrate the relaunch, revival, achievements, and accomplishments of the organization. A highlight of the event was the launch of Anchor’s newest magazine, “LAOM.” The Summit began with formal opening remarks by Campus Director and Dean of the College of Maritime Education, Capt. Gerry D. Enjambre. “Always remember to maintain your integrity and show students that you are deserving of their trust,” Capt. Enjambre advised the campus scribes. Anchor’s Technical Adviser, Mr. Richard Lagus Jr., and Legal Adviser OIC-NW, Dave Polistico, expressed their gratitude. This was followed by an oath-taking ceremony and the recitation of the Journalists’ Creed, led by Associate Editor, Ms. Jaryl Catipay. Managing Editor Ms. Kaith Anne Aniban and Research and Planning Director Mr. Kurstein Paul Quirante presented the Accomplishment Report...
Read more