La Trinidad bans students from malls during class hours
BAGUIO CITY – The municipality of La Trinidad, Benguet, has issued an executive order banning students from malls and other commercial establishments during class hours as a deterrent to gallivanting.
Mayor Roderick Awingan signed Executive Order No. 91-2026 on July 2, prohibiting elementary and secondary students in both public and private schools from being in commercial premises from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The order supports Municipal Ordinance No. 18-2016, which regulates unexcused absences among students, and reminds business owners of their civic responsibility to support the community's educational welfare.
"We received reports that there are some students who do not attend their classes and were found to be staying in commercial establishments. We should address this because it would affect the future of our children if they do not finish their studies," Awingan said.
He said the education of children is not lodged solely with schools and parents or guardians, but with the community.
"The saying that it takes a village to raise a child requires everyone's effort to not only safeguard their well-being but also to advocate for their holistic growth."
Exemptions are granted when students are accompanied by a parent, guardian, or school employee, or if they have official authorization from the school to be in a business establishment for a valid reason.
Establishments that allow students in violation of the order face fines of P500 for the first offense, P1,000 for the second, and P2,500 for the third.
The order also directs law enforcement officers, barangay officials, and deputized Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPATs) to monitor compliance.
In 2025, the local government issued Executive Order 41 imposing a curfew for minors, disallowing them from being on roads and in public places from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. for their safety — a measure appreciated by parents as it compels children to be home before dark. (PNA)