As more than 20 million Filipino students gear up for the opening of classes on June 16, debates surrounding the use of electronic gadgets in schools have resurfaced, with many institutions still implementing strict “no gadget” policies. The issue has prompted clarifications from the Department of Education (DepEd), especially amid the growing reliance on technology in the classroom.
Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara addressed the concern, stating that while cellphone use is generally discouraged during class hours, the DepEd does not prohibit their use for educational purposes. “It’s the general rule but if for learning, it’s allowed,” Angara said in a Viber message to GMA News Online.
He cited platforms like Khan Academy, which are being used in several public schools to supplement limited physical learning materials. In many cases, students access these platforms using smartphones or tablets due to the scarcity of textbooks and printed references.
The debate has gained traction, particularly in public schools, where teachers say gadgets are no longer luxuries but essential learning tools. Ruby Bernardo, president of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) in the National Capital Region, emphasized this in a recent press conference. “For many teachers, using cellphones or tablets is no longer optional—it’s necessary,” she said.
Teachers and educators argue that in schools with limited resources, mobile devices help bridge learning gaps, enabling access to digital libraries, interactive exercises, and online tutorials. In some schools, teachers even use their phones to project lessons or facilitate virtual quizzes.
However, concerns remain over misuse of devices, distractions during lessons, and unequal access among students. Some schools have called for clearer guidelines to balance responsible gadget use with educational goals.
As the school year begins under the Marcos administration’s push for digital transformation, experts say the policy needs to adapt to today’s learning realities. Instead of outright bans, stakeholders advocate for training both students and teachers in responsible and purposeful gadget use.
The Department of Education has yet to release updated official guidelines, but Angara’s statement signals a more flexible and inclusive approach to technology in education—an approach many believe is necessary in an increasingly digital world.