The San Juan City government has moved to ban videoke and karaoke sessions in the city to prevent loud noises from distracting students attending their online classes at home amid the pandemic.
Mayor Francis Zamora said Thursday he signed City Ordinance No. 78 which prohibits the use of videoke and karaoke systems and other amplified audio devices, noisy activities, and playing of loud music in jeepneys and private vehicles from Mondays to Saturdays, or when online classes are in session.
“Our students are already having a hard time adjusting to their online classes. Noise from loud music during these times will only make it more difficult for them. We hope the ban on videoke and karaoke sessions will however help in making their distance learning experience easier,” Zamora said.
The mayor said the ordinance is expected to be published in newspapers next week and will take immediate effect the next day.
San Juan City is the latest local government unit in Metro Manila to pass a measure banning videoke and karaoke sessions during days where classes of students are in session.
Despite the continuing threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the Department of Education (DepEd) pushed through with the opening of classes on October 5, and implemented a blended learning setup for this school year.
With this, instead of going to school to attend their classes, students will receive their education through printed learning modules, online classes, and through the use of mass media such as television and radio.
Under the ordinance, residents are only allowed to use videoke and karaoke systems from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Mondays to Saturdays; and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. during Sundays.
First time violators will be slapped with a fine of P3,000. Subsequent offenses will be fined with P5,000 or imprisonment of not more than three months, or both, at the discretion of the court.
“We ask our constituents to cooperate and help out our students in whatever way they can. This is another way of making sure those studying at home will have conducive studying environment,” the mayor said.