DepEd wants city to strictly enforce Internet café measure

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Education in Mandaue City is urging the city government and the police to strictly enforce the city ordinance which bans internet cafes from opening their doors to students during class hours.

DepEd administrative officer Benjamin Tiongzon said he hopes the city government and the police will give teeth to the city ordinance, which was approved during the administration of former mayor now provincial board member Thadeo Ouano.

Tiongzon said the presence of internet cafes near schools is one of the reasons a lot of students drop out from school.

"Gihimong gatasan sa mga internetan ang atong mga kabataan," Tiongzon said.

He said public schools have closed their gates at noontime to keep the students inside and opened again in the afternoon.