The Department of the Interior and Local Government urged local government units (LGUs) on Wednesday to enact ordinances prohibiting videoke and other sources of “distracting” noises during online classes.

In a statement, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año called on LGUs to help students adjust to the blended learning system.

“Bilang mga disiplinado at responsableng mga magulang at mamamayan, tulungan natin ang ating mga estudyante na mabigyan ng tahimik at payapa na kapaligiran para sila ay makapag-aral ng mabuti sa kani-kanilang mga tahanan,” Año said.

Metro Manila Police chief Debold Sinas earlier ordered police in his jurisdiction to coordinate with their respective LGUs to either enact or modify their existing local ordinances against the use of videoke and other activities that create unnecessary noise that would cause distractions for online classes.

Aside from videoke, Año also urged LGUs to strictly prohibit gambling activities like tupada, bingo, betting stations and drinking sprees not only to provide better learning environments for students but also to prevent mass gatherings could lead to community transmissions of Covid-19.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones earlier affirmed the government will conduct assessments to improve the quality of education delivered through distance methods. John Ezekiel J. Hirro