CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — SM Malls in Pampanga, especially SM City San Fernando Downtown, have given their nod on the proposed Anti-Truancy ordinance authored by City Council committee on education chairman Councilor Noel Tulabut.

In a statement, officials of SM Malls expressed support to the proposed ordinance regulating the entry of uniformed students in malls and other recreation centers and internet cafes during school days and class hours.

“SM Malls has been very supportive to all the goals and objectives of the City Government of San Fernando for the realization of its mission and vision,” it said. 

It further said, “For whatever decision that the city will implement the Proposed Ordinance for the Anti-Truancy Bill, SM Supermalls in Pampanga will always adhere to it.”

Despite what Tulabut noted was the lack of a clear-cut self-imposed policy by malls on anti-truancy, students during the Tuesday public dialogue disclosed that guards at SM City San Fernando Downtown have been “regulating” the entry of uniformed students from opening time to 5 p.m.

“There were many times during our breaks when we went to the malls and refused entry because we were in uniforms and IDs. Now maybe with the proposed ordinance, there would be this sign saying students in uniform are not allowed in malls during class hours or at least until 5 p.m.,” said Katherine Pangilinan, an official of the University of the Assumption High School Student Council. (JTD)