Total cellphone ban in schools

CEBU, Philippines — The Municipality of Dumanjug in southern Cebu has enforced a total ban on cellular phones in all public schools starting today, June 29, with Mayor Guntrano “Gungun” Gica warning that devices brought by students will be confiscated and returned only at the end of the school year.

In a social media post, Gica informed the school heads, district supervisors and parents of his policy that, he said, is aimed at improving the municipality's academic performance and encouraging students to focus on reading, studying and face-to-face interaction.

Under the policy, no student will be allowed to bring a cellphone to school.

"If a student brings a phone, it will be confiscated and only returned at the end of the school year. If you do not wish to follow this policy, you have the option to transfer your children to another municipality," Gica said.

The mayor said the municipality wants students to spend more time reading books, paying attention in class and interacting with their classmates instead of using mobile devices.

He also called on parents to reinforce learning at home by discussing school lessons with their children and fostering stronger family relationships.

“At home, we expect parents to talk to their children, follow up on what they learned in school, and encourage healthy relationships between siblings and parents,” Gica stressed.

He appealed for the cooperation and participation of residents, saying the policy was driven by concern over what he described as the municipality's declining academic performance.

"I am doing this not for show (dili para pasikat), but because the current academic standing of our children is truly alarming. We are falling behind, and we need to catch up," he said.

As part of his administration’s education reform program, Gica said the municipal government fully funded summer classes this year without using the Special Education Fund (SEF).

He also announced that beginning in July, Dumanjug will conduct Saturday tutorial classes in Mathematics, English and Science for students from Grades 1 to 12.

"We will hold Saturday tutorials in Math, English, and Science for Grades 1 to 12 so no child gets left behind," Gica said.

The municipality likewise plans to integrate values formation and Bible reading into its programs, while requiring parents to attend parenting seminars. Public school teachers will also receive regular training and professional development sessions.

"We want the youth of Dumanjug to be known everywhere as obedient, honest, helpful, and God-fearing individuals with excellent character," Gica said.

Gica clarified that the cellphone ban was not prompted by the recent school shooting incident in Tacloban City. He explained that authorities ordered inspections of students' bags following the incident solely to prevent weapons or other deadly objects from entering school campuses.

"Ihatag nato ang saktong katinawan: dili ang nahitabo nga insidente ang rason ngano gika-ban ang cellphone. Ang gihimo nato tungod sa maong hitabo mao ang pag-check sa mga bag aron masiguro nga walay armas o deadly weapon nga makasulod sa eskwelahan," Gica explained.

The mayor maintained that the cellphone ban is intended to reduce students' dependence on gadgets and help them reconnect with learning and social interaction.

"Ang tumong niana mao ang pagluwas sa mga bata gikan sa pagsige lang og selpon, aron makakita sila sa tinuod nga kinabuhi. Gusto nato nga magbasa sila og libro, magtuon, ug motutok sa gitudlo sa klase. Mao gani gipa-eskwela nato sila," Gica stressed.

He said he would stand by the decision, stressing that it is meant to develop students into "better citizens, honest, God-fearing, respectful, and trustworthy" individuals who value respect, responsibility and cooperation within their school communities. (CEBU NEWS)