The town of Sogod in Southern Leyte has banned the daytime use of karaoke and videoke to enable a conducive learning environment for students taking modular and online classes at home.

Through Executive Order No. 48 approved on Monday, the use of all amplified audio and video devices and other noisy activities in the town is strictly prohibited from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

However, the use of karaoke and videoke systems would be allowed from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., subject to the condition that it will not cause loud and disturbing noise within the neighborhood.

“Loud noises can distract pupils and students from concentrating on their online classes, school works, and other activities, now that every home in the country has been turned into an extension of schools,” said acting Mayor Jose Ramil Golo in the EO.

He added the directive is in response to the call of Interior Secretary Eduardo Año for local government units to pass EOs, ordinances, or advisories regulating its use to avoid unnecessary distractions and ensure that students get the best education in the comfort of their homes.

“Millions of learners are now undergoing blended learning as the Department of Education was forced to abandon learning in a classroom setting due to coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic,” Golo said.

In Eastern Visayas, the education department welcomed over 1.3 million enrollees for the school year 2020-2021 on Oct. 5.

Out of 4,471 public and private schools in the region, 4,053 are implementing modular distance learning, 84 are using radio-based instructions, 136 are applying television-based instructions, and 198 are using online distance learning and instructions. (PNA)