Students in the town of Dumanjug, Cebu, are now prohibited from bringing mobile phones to school under a total ban ordered by Mayor Efren Guntrano “Gungun” Gica. The directive, which took effect on Monday, June 29, 2026, aims to improve learning and classroom interaction.
Reason for the Ban
The policy was prompted by a tragic shooting incident in Tacloban City that killed three students and injured several others. The perpetrators were two minors aged 14 and 15. Mayor Gica said the ban is also a response to the alarming academic standing of students in Dumanjug.
Confiscation and Return Policy
Under the new rules, any mobile phone brought to school will be confiscated and only returned at the end of the school year. “We want our kids to read, study, and interact with their classmates,” Gica said. “Starting Monday, if a student brings a phone, it will be confiscated and only returned at the end of the school year.”
Parental Options and Public Reaction
The mayor added that parents who disagree with the policy may transfer their children to schools outside Dumanjug. The announcement sparked widespread online discussion. Many netizens supported the measure, saying it could reduce distractions and improve discipline. Others expressed concerns about student-parent communication during emergencies. Some suggested allowing basic keypad phones or having teachers collect phones before class and return them after school.
Additional Education Programs
Gica emphasized that the ban is not about showmanship but about addressing poor academic performance. “I am doing this not for show, but because the current academic standing of our children is truly alarming. We are falling behind, and we need to catch up,” he said. The municipality is also launching Saturday tutorial classes in Math, English, and Science for Grades 1 to 12 starting July, along with values formation and Bible reading programs. Parenting seminars will encourage greater parental involvement, and regular training for public school teachers will be provided. The town is also planning to acquire school buses to improve access to education.
Mayor's Vision
“We want the youth of Dumanjug to be known everywhere as obedient, honest, helpful, and God-fearing individuals with excellent character. Let's do this together!” Gica said.
