Friday, January 25, 2008 Amendments to net cafe ordinance welcomed By Grace L. Plata
THE Internet Cafe Association of Davao (Icad) welcomed the amendments suggested by Councilor Teresita Mata-Marañon to the Internet Cafe Ordinance of Davao City.
"In general, okay man ang proposal (the proposal is okay). There is just an item or two that we are concerned about. We are open for discussion with Councilor Marañon," said Icad Vice-President Yvonne Cabada.
Part of the suggested amendments to the ordinance is requiring all those who are operating an Internet cafe is to register with Icad. Membership with Icad is currently optional.
Marañon explained that compulsory membership with Icad will be contributory to the efforts of protecting children from online gaming addiction and unscrupulous internet cafe operators.
This as Icad ensures their members are well educated on the ordinance and are committed to comply with its provisions most especially with not allowing schoolchildren inside the establishment during prescribed school hours without the necessary permit from school authorities.
Icad also makes unannounced visits to its members to check if they have complied with the law. Icad also need to check if the cafe has the appropriate licenses and permits for software used in the establishment.
At present, only 80 out of more than 400 Internet cafes within the city are members of Icad.
