Baricuatro cool to policy banning cellphones in schools

Local

CEBU Gov. Pamela Baricuatro is not keen on totally banning cellular phones in school premises, noting existing policy being enforced by the Department of Education (DepEd).

Reacting to Dumanjug Mayor Efren "Gungun" Gica's total cellphone ban in schools, the governor said the mayor is “entitled to his opinion.”

"But on my end, I'd want to respond, not react. It would be a knee-jerk reaction if I right away, you know, say something about it, considering we also have to honor and discuss national policies regarding that," Baricuatro said during her interview on Karun Sugbo radio news program.

Gica's total cellphone ban inside schools received varying reactions.

Under the directive, cellphones found inside the school will be confiscated and will be returned after the school year ends.

The policy will be strictly implemented in August, but throughout the whole month of July, confiscated phones will be returned, but only to the parents or legal guardians.

Baricuatro, who had a meeting with the Provincial Local School Board, said there is already an existing policy of DepEd which prohibits the use of gadgets during class hours.

The governor said this national policy needs to be followed.

For the governor, she has no problem with bringing cellphones in school premises, especially since there are students who have medical conditions.

"You can have it in your possession man sad siguro kay scary man sad gud na kay wala ta kahibalo naay mga bata nga naay medical issue, unya kung kuhaon nimo na ang cellphone, kaw nga parent sad, you'd wanna talk to your kid during lunch break or after school," Baricuatro said.

"It's too tedious para nako nga magkuha ka (cellphone) unya ibalik, that's para nako, unsafe sad somehow," Baricuatro said.

The governor said what DepEd should do is revisit its safe school policy, particularly the presence of personnel from the Philippine National Police.(MyTVCebu)