Coeds in uncalled-for after-class ‘gimik’

As a concerned parent and retired teacher, I feel somewhat sorry and sad to see groups of coeds in their dainty and distinct school uniforms drinking alcohol in venues beside shopping malls. I have seen them at Gilligan’s in Market Market, at Chevons beside Robinson’s on Quirino Avenue, and also at the open air Veranda section of SM North.

Having been a college teacher in most of my professional life, I can tell the young face of a minor from one who is much older. I don’t drive, so I usually walk through these malls to get my ride and I would see young, uniformed students around tables with pitchers of beer in the middle. On occasions, there’s nothing wrong with drinking with friends; but as a matter of after-class “gimik,” as they call it, the habit is uncalled-for because it eats up study time and because it is a turn-off, non-productive expense.

These drinking sprees usually last until dark. If these students have money to spare and throw away by drinking, why don’t they go instead to Jollibee, McDonald’s or buy pasalubong and go straight home? Maybe it’s none of my business, but I pity their parents who anxiously wait for them at home, and I doubt if their remaining time will be enough for them to do their homework.

I urge school authorities located close to these drinking venues to prohibit their students, especially the coeds, from wasting their time and allowances in such non-curricular activities.

School heads should do the rounds checking on these establishments (from 5 p.m. onward) and see how their uniformed coeds enjoy a glass of beer. The Department of Education should advise the Philippine National Police to watch these beer houses and charge them accordingly should they be found serving alcoholic drinks to minors. And fellow teachers, don’t wonder why many of your students are delinquent in doing their homework or look sleepy in class. You know now where they spend their free time after class.

—POMPEYO PEDROCHE, [email protected]