Naga City has introduced a new regulation aimed at curbing the use of cellphones and other similar devices in schools.

The ordinance, signed by Mayor Nelson Legacion Legacion on August 17, 2024, is designed to limit cell phone use in both elementary and high schools.

The ordinance is set to be implemented in September 2024.

According to Councilor Lito Del Rosario, Chairman of the City Council’s Committee on Education, the regulation targets specific situations where cellphones are deemed unnecessary.

"Halimbawa, ang subject matter na tinutukdo, dae man kaipuhan ning cellphone, for example, dae man research-oriented, i-lilimit siya," Del Rosario said.

The new rule has received support from various stakeholders, including parents and educators.

"Para maka-focus siya sa klase," Jennifer Mendez, a parent, said.

"Kung halimbawa po may mga emergency man, pig-e-encourage ko ang parents [na mag-contact saamin], ta igwa man kaming GC (group chat), sa teachers nalang ipaabot," Marivic Ditche, a Grade 4 adviser at Triangulo Elementary School, added.

There is also a call for clear guidelines on how cell phone use will be regulated in classrooms.

"Sa elementary — sa school namin specifically — I want it to be fully debarred. Kasi dito naman sa amin, hindi naman siya kailangan sa classroom, naibibigay naman ng guro [ang impormasyon]. And iyon [na cell phone], pwede naman nilang magamit kapag nasa bahay," Esmeralda De Los Reyes, School Head at Triangulo Elementary School, said.