DepEd-Cebu City orders: Limit lato-lato in schools

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd)-Cebu City has directed the schools within its jurisdiction to monitor students playing lato-lato and to take appropriate measures to ensure their safety.

This came after the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA)-Philippines’s Director General, Dr. Samuel A. Zacate, has issued last week a warning against the purchase and use of an unauthorized toy called lato-lato.

In its post-marketing surveillance of some of the lato-lato sold, the FDA found out that it has no valid Certificate of Product Notification (CPN) as of 05 June 2023.

“Pursuant to Book II, Article I Section 1(a) of the Rules and Regulations Implementing Republic Act No.9711. otherwise known as the ‘Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009,’ the manufacture, importation, exportation, sale, offering for sale, distribution, transfer, non-consumer use promotion advertising, or sponsorship of any health product without the proper authorization from the FDA is prohibited.”

FDA also said that since it did not go through the notification process, the agency cannot assure their quality and safety while also stressing that the use of such violative products may pose health risks to consumers.

Potential hazards may come from ingredients that are not allowed to be part of a toy and childcare article product.

Substandard and possibly adulterated toy and childcare article products may result in health risks including endocrine disruption and reproductive or developmental effects, injuries, and choking or suffocation to its small or broken parts.

Do not buy

The FDA then advised the public not to buy the said toy while also reminded to always check if a product is notified with the FDA.

The DepEd – Cebu City also took notice of the rising popularity of lato-lato, also known as "clackers" or "clankers," a toy that has become a concern for the safety and well-being of students on school campuses.

“The DepEd Cebu City is committed to ensuring an environment conducive to learning for all students. As such, we are taking the necessary steps to monitor and address the use of lato-lato inside school premises,” read part of the advisory shared by DepEd-Cebu City Assistant Superintendent Adolf Aguilar to The FREEMAN.

The noise generated by lato-lato can also be disruptive to the learning process of both the user and other students nearby.

“As such, schools are encouraged to educate students about the potential dangers of this toy and discourage its use during school hours. We believe that by taking a proactive approach, we can maintain a safe and conducive learning environment for all students.”

DepEd Cebu City is working closely with school administrators, teachers, and parents to address this issue.

Lato-lato prohibited

Aguilar said they have also taken note of the precautionary measures taken by the Abellana National School (ANS).

ANS Principal Nathanael Flores, the school’s principal, in a memorandum dated June 20, 2023, said the decision has been made due to several concerns that have arisen regarding this toy's disruptive nature and potential for harm.

He also clarified that before releasing the memorandum, there was a consultation with the teachers, parents, and student leaders regarding the matter, stressing that their priority is the safety of the students.

He cited that the noise produced by the "Lato-Lato" toy can cause disturbances to ongoing classes and learning activities as it is important to create a conducive and focused learning environment for all students, and the noise from this toy can disrupt the learning process for both the user and others nearby.

Confiscated toys will be deposited in the assistant principal’s office and can be retrieved by the parent or guardian of the owner anytime within this school year.

In an interview with local radio XFM, Flores said that one of their personnel was injured when one of the balls of the “lato-lato” landed into the latter’s face.

All FDA Regional Field Offices and Regulatory Enforcement Units, in coordination with law enforcement agencies and Local Government Units, are also requested to ensure that violative products are not sold or made available in the market or areas of their jurisdiction. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/GAN (FREEMAN)