ILOILO – By 12 midnight, all amplified audio devices or sound systems used during social activities would be switched off, if a proposed provincial ordinance is approved.
The proposed Noise Control Ordinance of Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) member Liecel Mondejar-Seville seeks to protect the public from “unnecessary disturbance and hearing impairment.”
According to Seville, the “unnecessary noise from sound systems and other amplified audio devices…unreasonably disturbs, injuries or endangers the health, peace, comfort, or safety of reasonable persons of ordinary sensitivity.”
The vice chairperson of the SP committee on heath and sanitation, Seville cited the following reasons for seeking to regulate amplified audio devices:
* Loud sounds may cause permanent hearing damage.
* Loud sounds may result to high blood pressure, faster heart rate and increased adrenaline that may contribute to heart and circulatory diseases.
* Loud sounds may threaten fetal development.
* Loud sounds may hinder the development of language skills in children and disrupt the educational process
* Loud sounds interfere conversation and social interaction and hamper work efficiency.
* Loud sounds affect the quantity and quality of sleep, especially of the elderly and the sick.
* Loud sounds may obscure warning signals, causing accidents and interfere with shouts for help, preventing rescue attempts.
Yesterday, a public hearing on the proposed ordinance was held at the SP session hall of the Iloilo provincial capitol.
Under the proposal, amplified audio devises must start turning down their volumes (85 decibels or lower) by 10 p.m. and by 12 midnight, these devises must already be switched off.
“Asta lang sa 85 decibels kay ang ma-tolerate sang aton dulonggan is 90 dicebels,” said Seville.
During fiesta celebrations, however, the use of amplified audio devises may be extended up to 2 a.m. but with the sound not exceeding 85 decibels.
Here are the proposed penalties for violators:
*P1,000 fine for first offense
* P2,000 fine and imprisonment for a period of not more than 10 days at the discretion of the court
* P5,000 fine and imprisonment for 15 days./PN
