DepEd Pushes Stricter Gadget Rules for Students in Tacloban Schools

Posted on May 29, 2026 at 12:07 pm

TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Education (DepEd) field office in Tacloban is reminding schools to strictly regulate the use of cellphones in classrooms to help students stay focused during class.

DepEd also clarified that the policy is not a total ban on gadgets inside school campuses.

Department of Education Tacloban division information officer Nilo Elder said many teachers have already been limiting cellphone use in classrooms even before the release of DepEd Order No. 006, s. 2026.

“It is only this year that this measure is backed by a directive,” Elder said in an interview on Tuesday.

Under the policy, the use of cellphones and other portable electronic devices during class hours will either be prohibited or strictly regulated unless needed for academic activities or emergencies.

Elder said schools can decide how they will implement the policy based on their own situation and needs.

Among the possible measures are no-cellphone rules during classes, gadget collection boxes during examinations, teacher-controlled gadget use, and designated schedules or areas where devices may be used.

Schools may also ask parents to sign acknowledgment forms and conduct orientations on responsible gadget use.

“The policy does not impose a total ban on gadgets in schools but instead regulates their use to ensure devices serve educational and legitimate purposes,” Elder said.

The DepEd field office in Tacloban will conduct orientation activities for teachers, parents, and students before classes open in the second week of June.

DepEd said the policy aims to lessen classroom distractions, cyberbullying, and cheating while helping create a better learning environment for students.

Photo courtesy: DepEd-8