Iloilo City’s Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) issued an ordinance banning unnecessary and distracting sounds during class hours.

On Tuesday, the SP passed on third and final reading the ordinance that prohibits the playing of sound systems and conducting of karaoke and videoke sessions and other distracting sounds from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday.

Authored by city councilor Lady Julie Grace “Love” Baronda, the ordinance regulates loud noises that hamper online classes and distract learners studying at home.

The passage of the new measure is also in consonance with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) urging the local government units (LGUs) to pass ordinances banning karaoke singing and other “loud” activities that hamper online classes and distract learners studying at home.

Millions of students are attending classes via distance learning system due to the coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19, pandemic.

Under the new system, learners study mostly in their homes through printed or digital modules given by schools, or through online classes via videoconferencing platforms. These are supplemented by lessons delivered through television and radio.

Last month, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas also issued Executive Order No. 164, which banned beginning October 10 videoke machines and activities tending to cause “unnecessary noise” from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m./WDJ