LGUs lauded for responding to videoke ban during online classes

FILE: John Jeffrey Aquino, 15, a junior high school student at the Dasmariñas Integrated High School in Dasmariñas City, Cavite, answers printed learning modules at home on Tuesday (Oct. 6, 2020). (PNA photo by Gil Calinga)

MANILA – Joint Task Force Covid Shield commander Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar has recognized the local government unit (LGU) officials for responding to the call to ban videoke and other loud noises as millions of students adjust to the blended learning system amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

“We express our sincerest gratitude to the mayors and the rest of those who compose the LGUs for their immediate response to our call to protect our online learners from disturbing noises. Our students are already struggling to adapt to this type of learning and the least that we could do is to make sure that they are not distracted by unnecessary loud noises in their respective communities for them to focus on their school works,” Eleazar in a statement on Saturday.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) earlier urged the LGUs to enact ordinances banning videoke and other distracting noises during online and modular classes adopted by the Department of Education as measure against Covid-19.

Eleazar said he has directed police units to coordinate with barangay leaders for effective enforcement of the local ordinances to be imposed especially during weekdays when pre-school up to college students are busy complying with their school requirements.

He said other LGUs should also come out with their own ordinances to ensure every barangay is conducive for learners.

The mere presence of policemen, he added, would deter residents from violating local ordinances against loud noises and videoke.

Eleazar urged police commanders to set up hotlines and social medial accounts where residents can air their complaints.

“Through social media, people in the community, especially students, are given easy and quick access to seek assistance against those who distract them from their classes or those blatantly violating the quarantine rules,” Eleazar said.

He said residents can also send their complaints to the Facebook accounts of the JTF Covid Shield.

Eleazar said the public could also reach the PNP and the JTF Covid Shield through the following hotlines: PNP Helpline 16677, 0998-849-0013 for Smart users, 0917-538-2495 for Globe users and PNP-Highway Patrol Group Hotline 0926-225-5474.

The PNP and JTF Covid Shield could also be reached via ncovmonitoring@gmail.com and PNP2019nCoVARDopn@gmail.com.