ILOILO City – Videoke sessions and other noisy neighborhood activities may soon be prohibited.
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is urging local government units (LGUs) to pass ordinances banning karaoke singing and other “loud” activities that hamper online classes and distract learners studying at home.
Millions of students are attending classes via distance learning system due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Under the new system, learners study mostly in their homes through printed or digital modules given by schools, or through online classes via videoconferencing platforms. These are supplemented by lessons delivered through television and radio.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. of Iloilo province also saw the need to craft laws that would make barangays conducive to blended learning.
“It is correct to ban [loud activities] pero sa husto man nga lugar. We will issue an executive order kon kinahanglan naton,” said Defensor.
On Wednesday, DILG secretary Eduardo Año said loud noises during online class hours and independent study periods “can distract pupils and students alike from concentrating on their online classes, schoolwork, and other activities now that every home in the country has been turned into an extension of the school.”
LGUs should also prohibit other noisy activities including “tupada, bingo, betting stations, and drinking sprees” to avoid disturbing students as well as prevent mass gatherings, the DILG chief added.
Año urged motorists, too, to avoid unnecessary blowing of horns during school hours.
The Philippine National Police, an attached agency of the DILG, earlier said it would coordinate with local governments to regulate drinking and videoke sessions in public places.
The start of classes, originally scheduled during the first Monday of June, got delayed twice to give schools ample time to prepare for distance learning, which is the Department of Education’s (DepEd) response to the continuing threat of COVID-19.
In Western Visayas, 1,910,611 learners in the region have enrolled and chose either self-learning modules or online classes as modes of learning.
Lea Belleza, DepEd Region 6 information officer, said the start of School Year 2020-2021 in the region was a success, with no major difficulties experienced.
Helpdesks set up in 20 Schools Division Offices in six provinces and 16 cities have not received major complaints so far, Belleza said.
Belleza attributed the successful opening of basic education classes from kindergarten to senior high school to the preparations made by the Education department.
But she appealed for the parents’ understanding, especially those struggling to serve as guide teachers to their children at home.
“We are all new to this setup. Let us be partners in facilitating learning,” Belleza said.
She advised parents or guardians to give teachers or even the principal a call or text should they have queries.
“Social media cannot address your queries. Let us be appreciative of the efforts of DepEd,” Belleza stressed, referring to some parents posting their concerns or queries on Facebook.
There are 4,572 public schools in the region – 3,402 elementary, 677 junior high and 493 senior high. Meanwhile, there are 1,496 private schools – 974 elementary, 322 junior high and 200 senior high./PN
