Dumanjug Mayor Efren “Gungun” Gica said he is ready to face suspension or even removal from office to push through with his controversial education reforms, including a ban on cellphones and mandatory Saturday tutorials in his municipality. In a Facebook post on Thursday, July 2, 2026, Gica fearlessly expressed his stance.
“Even under the threat of suspension or removal from office, I will not compromise on the welfare of the municipality of Dumanjug,” part of his post read.
However, in a phone interview with SunStar Cebu on Friday, July 3, Gica clarified that he has not received any threats or intimidation. He said the post was meant to reiterate his passion and commitment to the reforms.
Education Program Institutionalized
The Municipality of Dumanjug is now institutionalizing an education program that includes mandatory Saturday tutorials, values education, and professional development training for teachers.
In a statement released on Thursday, Gica criticized the Department of Education’s (DepEd) “No Child Left Behind” policy, which he said has contributed to the country’s education crisis.
“By stripping public school teachers of the authority to enforce discipline and eliminating the accountability of academic grading, the system has inadvertently created a crisis where our youth are, in fact, being left behind,” part of his statement read.
Addressing Learning Gaps
According to Gica, the planned tutorial program, along with the proposed cellphone ban inside schools, aims to address learning gaps among students.
“We really need to focus on the children’s education. The cellphone ban is one way to help them. This ordinance is long overdue and we want to pass it,” he said.
