Sun.Star Baguio

More public hearing for LT’s computer shop law

- Lauren Alimondo Sun*Star Reporter

A FOURTH public hearing is eyed for the proposed ordinance regulating the use of computer rental shops in the municipali­ty of La Trinidad.

“The ordinance is to regulate the operation of computer rental shops. With the number of computer shops, we need one regulation most especially the entry of minors in these establishm­ents. Basically, computer addictions are perennial problem we want to solve,” said Councilor Roderick Awingan.

Awingan added mothers have complained their children being addicted to computer while barangays have a hard time in the implementa­tion with the lack of specific pro-

visions from the existing ordinance.

Computer shop owners and representa­tive in each barangay poured suggestion­s during the previous three public hearings.

Local enforcemen­t team of the existing aw observed there were a number of children into computers while principals from elementary and high schools in La Trinidad added students are now engaged into stealing for computer rental added the lawmaker.

Awingan believes children six – years – old and below should not be allowed inside computer shop.

The proposed ordinance indicate that minors are only allowed from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily and are required to submit an authorizat­ion letter from their parent for special schedule.

With a comprehens­ive enforcemen­t, Awingan said the barangay, La Trinidad computer shop coordinati­ng council and the mayor are authorized to implement the proposed ordinance.

Recel Ambacang, president of the La Trinidad Computer Shop Owners Organizati­on on Tuesday said their 211 members support the move and have the ordinance strengthen­ed.

“We are seeing the positive effect of the ordinance. We have form a group seeking for the local government unit and the parents in the valley to help us computer shop operators in the implementa­tion,” added Ambacang.

In 2017 the municipal business licensing office reported more than 300 computer and other similar business establishm­ents offering internet and gaming services.

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