CEBU CITY – One of the biggest schools here has prohibited its students from bringing "lato-lato" (cracklings) within the campus.
LATO-LATO (Juan Carlo de Vela) Nathanael Flores, principal of Abellana National School, issued a memorandum dated June 20 directing teachers “to inform all students that bringing of ‘lato-lato’ in the school campus is prohibited.” “Attention is drawn to the growing popularity of “lato-lato” among children, as it has been observed that some students are bringing and playing this toy inside the school campus. However, it is crucial to address this matter seriously due to reports indicating that this toy has caused injuries to players and, in some instances, has been used as a weapon resulting in trouble among children,” said Flores in his memo. Flores also cited the memorandums issued by the Food and Drug Administration advising the public to refrain from purchasing several types of “lato-lato.” Flores added that the noise created by the toy can also disrupt classes. “It is important to create a conducive and focused learning environment for all students and the noise from this toy can disrupt the learning process for both the user and the others nearby,” Flores said. The school has at least 5,000 students and if the majority of them carry “lato-lato” when going to school, class disruptions will not be avoided, Flores said. “This toy can really catch attention,” Flores said. Flores said there was no resistance from students when their “lato-lato” toys were confiscated. Seized “lato-lato” were brought to the Assistant Principal’s Office and can only be claimed by a guardian or a parent,” said Flores. Flores emphasized that the welfare of the students is the school’s primary concern in prohibiting the toy within the campus. He said parents, teachers and student leaders were consulted before the memo was issued.