MTI school uniform importation ban research-backed
Monday, February 27, 2023 | 860 Views |
Pupils wearing School uniform PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO
Government, through the Trade ministry, took a decision to impose restrictions on the importation of school uniforms which included tunics, dresses, pinafores, shirts, pants, slacks, blouses, t-shirts, ties, scarf, hats, jerseys and tracksuits for the public and private pre-primary, primary, junior and secondary schools.
The Statutory Instrument was published in the Government Gazette dated September 24, 2021, and imposed beginning of this year.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...