Ho Chi Minh City does not accept flowers to congratulate the opening ceremony: Saving or causing damage to farmers?

The document "not accepting congratulatory flowers in any form" at the opening ceremony of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training is creating a wave of controversial debate.

Many readers have expressed their agreement about not receiving flowers on the occasion of the opening ceremony - Photo: QUANG DINH

Tuoi Tre readers expressed many opinions: saving, avoiding waste, but also worried that the flower industry would suffer and farmers would suffer.

It's a waste to throw away flowers after decoration!

Immediately after the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training issued a document "not accepting congratulatory flowers in any form" at the opening ceremony of the 2025-2026 school year, many readers expressed their agreement.

The main reasons given: avoiding waste, spreading the spirit of humanity and directing resources to more practical things for students and the community.

Reader Lao Gan thinks that instead of buying flowers, society can convert those resources into a scholarship fund, helping children who do not have the means to go to school.

An anonymous reader also agreed: "It's a waste to display flowers and then throw them away. If we give scholarships, we'll help the future generations of the country - that's the true meaning of the first day of school."

Emphasizing the educational significance of this decision along with many other readers, reader Bao said that this is an opportunity to send students a practical lesson: "Saving is the only lasting beauty. Instead of receiving flowers, the school can decorate itself with green trees, which is both economical and environmentally friendly."

Also from a social perspective, reader Tran Vinh Trung affirmed: "While many places are flooded and people lack food and clothing, the policy of limiting ostentation is very welcome." This viewpoint shows the consensus of a segment of readers on the policy of associating the opening ceremony with the spirit of sharing, simplicity, and humanity.

Proposing a compromise solution instead of an absolute ban, along with some other opinions, reader Nguyen Minh Tuan wrote: "It's still nice to have a few flowers to decorate the opening ceremony."

Similarly, reader Khanh Thi thinks that small, simple bouquets of flowers should be encouraged to preserve the culture and beautiful memories that students have for their teachers.

Many opinions are concerned about the losses of Da Lat farmers and flower traders in Ho Chi Minh City after the dispatch of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training - Photo: MV

Lack of calculation can inadvertently cause consequences for the economy.

On the other hand, many readers, especially farmers and flower shop owners, expressed concern. The reason: the document was issued too close to the deadline, while the flowers had already been planted, imported, and many orders had even been arranged in advance.

Reader Nguyen Hao, a rose farmer in Lam Dong , confided: "We work all year round and do not have enough money to cover the costs of medicine, fertilizer, and labor. We rely on a few holiday seasons to make up for it. If the opening ceremony loses its source of consumption, many farming households will be in more trouble."

Sharing the same frustration, reader Pham Thi Hoang Tram, a flower shop owner, shared: "The decision was made so hastily that hundreds of flower shops were caught off guard. Flowers had been imported and arranged, but now they were all canceled, causing many people to suffer heavy losses. I hope that the document will have a clear roadmap in the future."

Reader Rain Bow also said that the sudden issuance of the document has a big impact on flower production and business: "Farmers have planned 2-4 months in advance. Just because of a document, all their efforts and capital will be wasted. If there is a policy, it must be announced early so that they can adjust their production plans."

Emphasizing the macroeconomic aspect along with many other opinions, reader Nguyen Truong analyzed: "Although flowers are only symbolic, they are still a form of consumption, contributing to maintaining jobs for tens of thousands of workers. If a consumption channel is suddenly eliminated, the negative spillover effects may be greater than the cost savings."

"In the period of stimulating economic growth, is it in line with the general policy to save money by banning the receipt of flowers?", reader Y Kien asked. This view shows the concern that administrative measures, if not calculated, can unintentionally cause consequences for the economy.

In addition, many readers expressed regret about the cultural significance of flowers on the opening day.

"A bouquet of fresh flowers is a way for students to express their sincere gratitude to their teachers. If it is completely banned, the opening ceremony will be dry and lose its warmth," reader Hoang Hoa shared.

Need to calculate compromise solution

From readers' comments, we can see the sharing of the spirit of thrift and anti-waste, but at the same time there is also concern about economic damage and cultural loss.

The debate surrounding this issue essentially reflects two equally important values: the awareness of thrift and humanity in education and the protection of the livelihoods of thousands of farmers and small traders. The problem is that a compromise solution is needed.

Some suggestions have been proposed by readers: encourage the use of simple, moderate flowers, instead of absolutely banning them. Switch to decorating with green plants and potted flowers - both economical and not wasteful. Issue policies early, with a roadmap for the flower industry to adapt.

Back to topic

MV

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/tp-hcm-khong-nhan-hoa-chuc-mung-le-khai-giang-tiet-kiem-hay-gay-thiet-hai-cho-nong-dan-20250904215455763.htm