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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider DepEd-7: No total ban on cellphones in schools

DepEd-7: No total ban on cellphones in schools

Published Jul 7, 2026 08:28 pm
CEBU CITY – A total ban on the use of cell phones in schools is something that the Department of Education-Central Visayas (DepEd-7) will not implement.
‎‎The agency issued this clarification after the local government unit of Dumanjug in southern Cebu banned cell phones in schools to ensure safety in light of the tragic shooting in a school in Tacloban City.
‎While he recognized the effort of Dumanjug Mayor Gungun Gica to ensure school safety, DepEd-7 Regional Director Arturo Bayocot said the agency’s existing policy does not support a total ban on mobile phones in schools.
‎‎"I know the mayor only wants what's best for the children," Bayocot said in a press briefing on Tuesday, July 7.
‎Bayocot said DepEd Order No. 6, Series of 2026, or the Effective School Management and Learning Environment (ESMLE) policy calls for the regulation of the use of cellphone use in schools.
‎"While ensuring a safe and motivating learning environment, the order does not declare a total ban on cellphones," Bayocot said.
‎‎Unless devices are part of a teacher-directed learning activity, students are prohibited from using phones while classroom instruction is ongoing.
‎"The important thing is that students remain focused on the teacher and on learning," Bayocot said.
‎Bayocot added mobile devices have become an important educational tool, particularly in technology-assisted instruction that requires internet access for research and digital learning platforms.
‎‎Bayocot disclosed that no formal memorandum had been issued by the Dumanjug local government implementing a total cellphone ban.
‎The policy has only been so far announced through social media, he said.‎
‎Bayocot expressed confidence that the issue would be resolved through dialogue between the local government and DepEd.
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DepEd cellphone ban Central Visayas
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