Children are better at the beach than inside malls. (Punchphoto by Cesar Ramirez)

THE ban on minors aged 12 years and below in malls and other enclosed places got an overwhelming endorsement from parents in Dagupan City when asked during a session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) on December 7.

Heads of different Parents Teachers Associations (PTA) in the city echoed this sentiment when they joined the virtual session of the SP presided by Vice Mayor Dean Bryan Kua.

The PTAs were consulted on the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte to all local governments to pass an ordinance banning kids aged 12 years and below from enclosed public places such as malls so that they will not be exposed to COVID-19 infection.

Mark Tibudan, president of the Dagupan Federation of PTAs said it is still not yet time to allow children aged 12 years and below to enter malls as well as any others enclosed public places in Dagupan City since they have not been vaccinated.

During the three-day National Vaccination Days from November 29 to December 1, only children from 14 years old to 17 years old were vaccinated.

Tibudan added that even vaccinated kids below 12 years old must yet be accompanied by fully vaccinated parents whenever they enter malls or any other enclosed public places.

He cited the speech of Mayor Brian Lim during the PTA federation’s induction when he said movement of people would have a big positive impact on the economy, the mayor said he does not object to the young kid’s presence in malls provided they are accompanied by their parents.

Francisco Ramos Jr., president of the Pantal Elementary School PTA association, said he does not favor bringing their children aged 12 years old and below inside malls even if schools in Dagupan are preparing for possible face to face classes by January next year.

Mothers Brenda Arzadon, Jonalyn Fernandez and Digna Fernandez suggested that kids would be better off being brought to the beach in order to breath fresher air and savor sea breeze, which would be good for their health.

Gene Siapno and Emma Mamaradlo also favor a proposed ban on minors from malls considering the serious threat still posed by COVID-19, including the new Omicron variant.

However, Councilor Celia Lim stressed the need to balance life and economy and it could help perk up the economy if children from six years old and up are allowed in malls if already fully vaccinated, and only five years old kids and below should be banned.

Her opinion was shared by Councilor Luis Samson Jr. He said two years into the pandemic, children always stayed at home and they also need to get out from their homes in order to break their boredom with caution.

Councilor Michael Fernandez said all opinions expressed by parents will be considered when the SP tackles the proposed ordinance. (Leonardo Micua)

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